As cricket enthusiasts turn their attention to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a new name has emerged in the conversation – Tanush Kotian. This off-spinning all-rounder from Mumbai has recently been called up to join the India squad in Melbourne, setting the stage for what could be an exciting new chapter in his cricketing journey. Before delving into this international venture, let’s explore Tanush Kotian’s IPL career, where he has begun to carve out a niche for himself.
Tanush Kotian’s entry into the IPL was not through the glitz of a mega auction but rather through the strategic selection as a replacement player. In 2024, Rajasthan Royals recognized his potential, bringing him on board in place of the Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. This move highlighted Kotian’s rise from domestic cricket, where he had been a pivotal figure in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2023-24 campaign, to the high-octane environment of the IPL.
IPL Performance:
Tanush Kotian’s IPL career, though nascent, has shown glimpses of his capabilities:
Year: 2024
Matches: 1
Runs: 24
Highest Score (HS): 24
Average (Avg): 24.00
Balls Faced (BF): 31
Strike Rate (SR): 77.42
Hundreds (100): 0
Fifties (50): 0
Fours (4s): 3
Sixes (6s): 0
Catches (CT): 0
Stumpings (ST): 0
In his single IPL outing, Tanush Kotian managed to score 24 runs, proving his ability to handle pressure in a format known for its intensity. His strike rate of 77.42 indicates a balanced approach between aggression and caution, which is vital for a developing all-rounder in the IPL.
Despite his domestic success, Tanush Kotian faced a setback when no team bid for him in the previous mega auction. However, this did not deter his cricketing journey. Instead, it fueled his determination to prove his worth, which he did through consistent performances in domestic circuits, eventually catching the eye of Rajasthan Royals.
First-Class Cricket:
The backbone of Tanush Kotian’s selection both for the IPL and now for the Indian Test squad lies in his impressive first-class cricket statistics:
Matches (Mat): 33
Innings (Inns): 59
Balls Bowled: 4694
Runs Conceded: 2596
Wickets (Wkts): 101
Best Bowling in Innings (BBI): 5/58
Best Bowling in Match (BBM): 9/122
Average (Ave): 25.70
Economy Rate (Econ): 3.31
Strike Rate (SR): 46.4
Four-Wicket Hauls (4w): 5
Five-Wicket Hauls (5w): 3
Ten-Wicket Hauls (10w): 0
These numbers not only underline his prowess with the ball but also his capability to bowl long spells, crucial for Test cricket. His average of 25.70 and an economy rate of 3.31 in first-class cricket showcase his control and effectiveness, qualities that are gold in the longer format of the game.
Tanush Kotian’s IPL Salary –
Tanush Kotian joined Rajasthan Royals with a salary of INR 20 lakh for IPL 2024, a base price reflective of his status as a replacement player rather than a headline acquisition. This salary, while modest in the IPL context, is a testament to the faith Rajasthan Royals placed in his potential.
The Future for Tanush Kotian in IPL –
With the IPL 2025 on the horizon, and now with an international call-up under his belt, Tanush Kotian’s stock is set to rise. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will undoubtedly influence his IPL prospects. Teams will be eager to see how he adapts to international conditions, particularly against a formidable Australian side. His ability to contribute both with bat and ball makes him an attractive prospect for IPL franchises looking for all-rounders.
For Tanush Kotian, the challenge lies in maintaining consistency and adapting his game to the diverse conditions of the IPL. His one match in the IPL has shown he can handle the pressure, but the real test will be in sustaining performance over multiple games against varied opposition. His off-spin, which has been effective in domestic cricket, will need to evolve against IPL’s international-level batsmen.
On the flip side, the opportunities are vast. With the IPL 2025 mini-auction on the horizon, Tanush Kotian could see his market value increase significantly, especially if he makes a mark in international cricket. His dual role as a bowler who can bat adds immense value to any team, potentially leading to more lucrative contracts and a more prominent role in IPL teams.
Tanush Kotian’s journey from domestic cricket’s unsung hero to an IPL player and now to the Indian Test team is a narrative of resilience, skill, and opportunity. His IPL stint, albeit brief, has set the stage for what could be a remarkable cricketing career. As he departs for Australia, all eyes will be on how he performs, not just for the immediate impact but for what it means for his future in the IPL. Whether he’ll become a mainstay for Rajasthan Royals or catch the eye of other franchises in the upcoming auctions, one thing is clear – Tanush Kotian is a name to watch in the world of cricket.
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