Irani Cup | Mumbai skipper Rahane backs Kotian to play for India quickly

Kotian’s century within the second innings proves essential in Mumbai profitable the Irani Cup after 27 years.
| Photograph Credit score: SANDEEP SAXENA

The final time Mumbai gained the Irani Cup – on the identical day in 1997 – Sairaj Bahutule had performed a heroic position within the victory as an allrounder.

Minimize to 2024 and Bahutule – because the Remainder of India bowling coach – patted Tanush Kotian on the again after the younger Mumbai allrounder stamped his authority in each the departments to carry the Cup dwelling.

Having emerged because the Participant-of-the-Match throughout Mumbai’s triumphant Ranji Trophy marketing campaign, Kotian additionally impressed within the Duleep Trophy. He carried on in the identical vein within the Irani Cup fixture on the Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Kotian’s essential 64 throughout a first-innings partnership with Sarfaraz Khan put Mumbai within the driver’s seat. Then on the third day, he caught to the plan and bowled an extended spell with Mumbai discovering itself one bowler shot. After seeing off a tough final half hour on the fourth night, Kotian notched up his second First Class hundred on Saturday to engrave Mumbai’s identify on the Irani Cup.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane hoped Kotian would quickly put on the India jersey. “Tanush has been wonderful for us. He’s a particular expertise and it’s only a matter of time he can be within the reckoning and I hope he performs for India quickly,” Rahane mentioned.

“He has the expertise. Crucial factor is he’s a group man. He all the time thinks in regards to the group. That’s the very best quality of Tanush and a hard-working man. Hopefully, we’ll see him within the Indian group.”

Kotian, nonetheless, has been focusing solely on his efficiency and the aspect’s trigger. “I’m solely concentrating on bowling in keeping with the plan and the circumstances… I’m attempting to dominate the bowlers with the bat. That’s all I need to preserve doing,” he mentioned.