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Tanush Kotian credits Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur and Sunil Joshi for his off-spin growth after taking four wickets for India A against South Africa A at BCCI CoE grounds.
Tanush Kotian picked up four wickets for India A (PTI)
India A’s Tanush Kotian credited bowling to experienced Mumbai batters like Ajinkya Rahane, who are excellent players of spin, at nets for helping him develop his off-spin skills.
Kotian took four wickets as India A restricted South Africa A to 299 for 9 on the first day of the opening four-day match at the BCCI CoE grounds on Thursday.
“In the Mumbai Ranji team there are many players who have played for India and they are the best batsmen against spin anywhere. So, I think it helps me,” Kotian after the day’s play.
“They tell us about the areas where they will feel difficult to play an off-spinner, so, it helps us with the tactics and field placements.
“We have Ajinkya Rahane, who was our past captain, and Shardul Thakur, who is the new captain. So, these senior players help us a lot to get our best in the matches,” he added.
Kotian then explained how he applied his experience from the Mumbai nets against the Proteas batters.
“When we (spinners) started bowling it was not spinning that much, there was a bit of moisture on the pitch. So, we started attacking (Zubayr) Hamsa a little bit and later the left-handed batsman (Jordan Hermann) also.
“After the lunch, we had a plan to bowl stump lines, to keep them tight as much as we can and we will try to give them less runs and get 2-3 wickets tea which later helped us to get 9 wickets,” he noted.
‘Taught Me A Lot’
Kotian was included in the India squad when senior spinner R Ashwin retired from international cricket after the Brisbane Test against Australia last year.
The Mumbai spinner said such opportunities and learning from India A coach Sunil Joshi have boosted his confidence.
“Sunil sir also has taught me a lot, we had a few sessions at nets also he was teaching me how to tackle the South African batsmen, Australian batsmen. It is helping me and I am learning a lot from the coaches over here and also from the Mumbai team.
“It is helping me to be ready whenever an opportunity comes my way. I will wait to play for India but right now my goal is to learn as much as I can and do well in each and every game,” he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
October 30, 2025, 19:16 IST
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