Tanush Kotian.
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE. J
Saransh Jain may have pipped Tanush Kotian to the off-spinner’s slot in the Indian Test team, but the latter, on Sunday, showed why he remains in the selectors’ radar.
His four-wicket haul (four for 72), that helped West Zone dismiss North for 251 on the opening day of the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, showcased an offie’s full repertoire.
The 25-year-old from Mumbai opened the bowling, extracted significant turn, and tricked the North Zone batters by using both the loop and the drift. It was a firm reminder of why he was called up for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in late 2024 after R. Ashwin retired mid-series.
“I bowled with confidence because I was with the Indian team in Sri Lanka [as a net bowler],” Kotian told reporters after the day’s play here. “I bowled to brilliant batters, and that helped me bowl accurately, and with bite and turn.”
Though Kotian has never made the India squad after that Australia Tour, he has been part of the India-A set-up on the back of consistent performances. But he is mindful of the need for improvement.
“When I was with the India team in Sri Lanka, Sairaj [Bahutule] sir taught me a lot of things,” Kotian recollected. “Even Sunil Joshi sir [here at the CoE].
“I have improved a bit with my angles, changed my run-up a little and am learning to use the wind. I have also learnt a lot from what Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin have shared with me. It’s all helping me now,” Kotian added.
Published – August 23, 2026 10:22 pm IST
