The monkey is off the back for Mumbai allrounder Kotian
For Mumbai allrounder Tanush Kotian, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of labour.
More than his heroics with the bat lower down the order that came in handy during Mumbai’s march into the 202122 final and the critical knock of 93 against Maharashtra during the 202223 league match that brought Mumbai on the brink of qualification, offspinning allrounder Kotian was often reminded of the solitary run he couldn’t score in the Maharashtra Derby.
Mumbai required at least the firstinnings lead in the last league game to progress to the knockouts. When Kotian came in at No. 8, Mumbai was 143 runs behind Maharashtra’s 381.
Despite batting with a fractured finger, Kotian helped the side level the scores, but was dismissed ending Mumbai’s hopes of regaining the Ranji Trophy since 201516. The trauma was such that it gave him nightmares.
“Many times I would wake up and the flashback of missing out on that one run continued in my head. It was extremely difficult to get over it,” Kotian told The Hindu.
The nightmare will no longer haunt Kotian. Thanks
Kotian won the player of the tournament award for his excellent performance this season.
to a dream run in this season’s Ranji Trophy — 502 runs at 41.83 and 29 wickets at 16.96 — not only did Ko
tian help Mumbai win the title for the 42nd time, but was also adjudged the PlayeroftheTournament.
Chennai Super Kings is a franchise synonymous with consistency and success in the IPL.
As the reigning champion looks to chase a record sixth title, former CSK and India player S. Badrinath identified deathbowling specialist Mustafizur Rahman as one of the key players for CSK.
At the unveiling of the Star Sports Tamil star cast
“Winning the Ranji Trophy was a childhood dream. It was a nearmiss the last two years; so extremely delighted to have played a role in the win. I can safely say that the hardwork has borne fruits and the monkey is off my back now,” Kotian said.
Cherry on top
“The player of the tournament award is like a big cherry on top. To earn the trophy was the goal, the individual award is like a bonus.”
Ever since he returned to the Mumbai Ranji side in 202122 after featuring in two games in the 201819 edition, it has been a case of nearmisses for Kotian. Hocommentary team for the TATA IPL 2024 alongside former India Captain K. Srikkanth, Badrinath said, “I think he is a great addition to the team. I know for a fact that Dhoni wants a leftarm fast bowler in the side, CSK has always backed leftarm seamers like Doug Bollinger and Dirk Nannes in the past. Mustafizur’s strengths are his change of pace and variations. Look at how successful Dwayne Bravo was, using his variations at Chepauk! Mustafizur is a superb backup, and has also been picked up at a wever, the Ranji Trophy title has been a major boost for the lanky 25yearold. After being consistent in the league stage, Kotian dazzled in the knockouts with the bat and the ball.
He wasted no time in responding when asked about the most memorable moments of the season.
“The hundred (against Baroda in the quarterfinal) is memorable, so is the fourwicket haul in the final,” he said.
“Giving a breakthrough on the last day of the final was equally big (he broke the 130run partnership by dismissing Vidarbha centurion Akshay Wadkar). But nothing can match the winning moment.” great price.”
Recently, R. Ashwin praised the former Tamil Nadu batter as one of the best players of spin he has encountered. When asked about Ashwin’s achievements, Badrinath said, “He is one of the best students of the game. For all that he has achieved, he is still looking to learn. He constantly wants to improve and innovate his game. He does not sit on his laurels; he is always thinking about the next step. I think that has made him achieve what he has achieved.”