The unpredictable nature of the IPL is well-known. A case in point is Tanush Kotian, a Mumbai all-rounder who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction but is now back in the spotlight as a net bowler for the Punjab Kings.
Sports News: Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian secured a new opportunity on Friday, joining the Punjab Kings as a net bowler midway through the current IPL season. Unsold in the IPL auction earlier this year, he has now earned another chance to prove himself.
The 26-year-old Kotian was seen bowling to the Punjab Kings batsmen during their training session before their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He was observed interacting with the team's spin bowling coach, Sunil Joshi, suggesting a focus on improving his game.
Unsold at Auction
When Tanush Kotian's name came up in the IPL 2025 mega auction, no franchise showed interest in acquiring him. His base price was only ₹30 lakh, but no bids were placed. This surprised many cricket pundits, given Kotian's consistent b performance in domestic cricket. However, Kotian persevered, focusing on his preparation and performance, and his patience and hard work have finally paid off.
Shreyas Iyer's Crucial Role
It is believed that Mumbai teammate and current Punjab captain, Shreyas Iyer, played a significant role in Kotian joining the Punjab Kings. Both players have played together for Mumbai in domestic cricket, and Iyer has closely observed Kotian's skills. As the Punjab Kings prepared for a crucial match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, they sought a quality off-spinner to strengthen their spin bowling options. This is where Kotian got his chance, joining the team as a net bowler.
Impressive Net Session, Sunil Joshi Impressed
Seizing the opportunity, the 26-year-old Kotian provided a stern test for Punjab's batsmen in the net session. His bowling impressed the team's spin coach, Sunil Joshi. Kotian and Joshi were seen frequently conversing and sharing technical tips during the net session. This experience is not only a significant opportunity for Tanush but could also be a b step towards securing a place in an IPL team in the future.
Excellent Domestic Record
Kotian boasts an impressive record. He has taken 112 wickets in 37 first-class matches and 22 wickets in 21 List-A matches. He is also a useful lower-order batsman capable of quick scoring. His significant contribution to Mumbai's victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 highlighted his all-round abilities.
While the Punjab Kings already possess spin options like Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, and Praveen Dubey, facing a team like Kolkata, which boasts b spin-playing batsmen, necessitates additional spin practice. Kotian's off-spin bowling will provide valuable practice for Punjab's batsmen.
