Sportstar·India·Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 02:02 PM UTC

Tanush Kotian learns the art of building pressure

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Shayan Acharya

Back-to-back big hauls against Haryana and Railways reflect the Mumbai off-spinner’s evolving approach.

Updated : Nov 04, 2026 19:32 IST , MUMBAI - 3 MINS READ

Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian celebrates after taking seven wickets in an innings on the third day of the Ranji Trophy match against Railways. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian celebrates after taking seven wickets in an innings on the third day of the Ranji Trophy match against Railways. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

For Tanush Kotian, the biggest change has not been in the way he spins the ball, but in the way he thinks about bowling. Once inclined to chase wickets, the Mumbai off-spinner is now learning to make batters earn every run. The rewards have been immediate.

His seven-wicket haul against Railways was another example of that approach, coming close on the heels of his 11-wicket haul against Haryana.

“Earlier, I was always thinking about taking wickets. Now, I am trying to build pressure and create opportunities. Previously, if I went for a couple of boundaries, I would immediately look to get a wicket. Now, I understand the importance of maintaining pressure,” Kotian said on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old has spent the last two or three years refining his craft, working on different angles and using the crease to create uncertainty.

READ: WPL 2027 schedule: Full list of matches, start time and dates in IST; Vadodara, Mumbai named venues

“I have worked a lot on my bowling over the last two or three years, particularly on using different angles and the crease. I used those skills in this game, along with the straighter delivery, which fetched me two leg-before decisions,” he said.

He has also relished the increased responsibility, having bowled longer spells after often being used as a fourth-change option in previous seasons.

“I am enjoying it because you get more opportunities to work on the batters,” he said. Having spent time around the Indian team, Kotian is aware of the possibilities ahead but is not getting carried away.

“I think I am close, but let’s see. Ultimately, it is their call. I have to focus on my job and make sure I do things correctly,” he said.

Kotian, Shedge set to miss SMAT; Suryakumar in leadership fray?

Kotian and Suryansh Shedge will miss the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as they will be part of the India A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup.

With Shreyas Iyer also occupied with India’s ODI series against New Zealand, there is a buzz that Mumbai could consider Suryakumar Yadav for the captaincy when the selectors meet later this week to pick the squad.

Mumbai will play its league matches in Kolkata. Suryakumar was not considered for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign. However, his considerable experience in white-ball cricket could make him a strong candidate, and his presence would be a significant boost to the side if the selectors decide to entrust him with the leadership role once again.

There is, however, no official word yet on his possible captaincy role.

Published on Nov 04, 2026

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