How Tanush Kotian Is Slowly Becoming India's Next Ravichandran Ashwin?

Tanush Kotian is following in Ravichandran Ashwin's footsteps [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

In cricket, where talent is abundant and pressure to perform is relentless, there occasionally emerges a player who stands out- not just because of their raw talent, but because of their ability to influence the game in multiple facets. Tanush Kotian, the young off-spinning all-rounder from Mumbai, is one such player.

His performances in domestic cricket have ignited discussions about his potential to be the next Ravichandran Ashwin—a comparison that carries immense weight, given Ashwin’s standing as one of the finest all-rounders in the history of Indian cricket.

Kotian's name has become synonymous with "saving acts" in first-class cricket. Be it with the bat or ball, his knack for stepping up when the chips are down is evident. 

In this analysis, let’s deep dive and explore how Tanush Kotian’s performances, especially in recent tournaments, reflect a trajectory similar to Ashwin’s and why the comparison may be more than just hopeful speculation.

Ranji Trophy 2024: A Breakthrough Season

The Ranji Trophy 2024 was a breakthrough season for Tanush Kotian. In a format where spinners are often measured by their ability to bowl long spells on wearing tracks, Kotian showcased something more—his ability to bat under pressure.

Across 10 matches, Kotian amassed 502 runs at an average of 41.83, an extraordinary return for a player primarily seen as a bowler with five fifties and a century. His standout innings of 120* showed not just his technique, but his mental strength to hold an innings together when the chips were down.

There’s a parallel here with Ravichandran Ashwin’s in Test cricket, where he has frequently bailed India out of trouble with the bat. The sign of a world-class all-rounder is their ability to rise to the occasion when their team needs them most, and Kotian has been doing just that.

Notably, in the Ranji Trophy 2024 semi-final clash against Tamil Nadu, with Mumbai at a dismal 211/8, Kotian’s unbeaten 89* dragged his side to 378—a match-saving act that eventually culminated in Mumbai being crowned as the champions.

With the ball, Kotian was no less effective. His 29 wickets at an average of 16.96, including a best of 5/58, demonstrated his ability to adapt and exploit conditions.

Just like Ashwin, Kotian’s control, variations, and knack for breaking crucial partnerships has made him a key figure for Mumbai. In many ways, this Ranji season felt like Kotian’s coming-of-age, where he announced himself as a genuine all-rounder.

Tanush Kotian’s 2024 Ranji Trophy Performance

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Duleep Trophy 2024: A Key Player for India A’s Victory

If the Ranji Trophy was about establishing his credentials, the Duleep Trophy 2024 was about stepping up on a bigger stage. Playing for India A, Kotian continued his stellar form, contributing with both bat and ball in their victorious campaign. 

With the bat, Kotian scored 121 runs at an average of 30.25, including a key half-century (53) in a tense situation. 

His bowling, though, was what really stood out. In six innings, Kotian picked up 10 wickets at an average of 22.00, with best figures of 4/73. His control, flight, and ability to extract sharp turn made him a vital cog in India A’s title-winning campaign.

Tanush Kotian’s 2024 Duleep Trophy Performance

Irani Cup 2024: Continuation of the Rescue Acts

As the domestic season winds toward its conclusion, the ongoing Irani Cup 2024 has provided yet another platform for Kotian to showcase his all-round brilliance. Playing for Mumbai, Kotian has already made a significant impact.

In the first innings, he contributed valuable fifty lower down the order, helping Mumbai post a massive total of 537. It was, however, his second innings performance that once again highlighted his importance to the team.

Mumbai found themselves teetering at 171/8, and it was Kotian who stood tall, scoring a sensational hundred to bring his team back into the contest. His ability to perform under pressure is eerily reminiscent of Ashwin’s Test career, where the off-spinner has often batted with the tail to drag India out of difficult situations.

Like Ashwin, Kotian seems to relish the responsibility that comes with being a frontline spinner, and his performances suggest he is ready for the step up to international cricket.

Tanush Kotian's Notable Saving Acts in First-Class Matches

Drawing the Parallels with Ashwin

The comparisons between Tanush Kotian and Ravichandran Ashwin are not without merit. Both players are off-spinners who can change the course of a match with the ball and steady the ship with the bat.

Ashwin, with over 525 Test wickets and 3400-plus runs at an average of 26.74, has set a huge standard. His ability to read the game, adjust to conditions, and play big roles with both bat and ball has made him indispensable to the Indian Test side for over a decade.

Kotian, though in the early stages of his career, has shown the same spark. His rescue acts with the bat have drawn comparisons to Ashwin’s ability to bail India out of tricky situations.

At just 25, Kotian has time on his side, and while it would be premature to anoint him as Ashwin’s successor just yet, the signs are promising. His performances in the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Cup suggest that he has the temperament and skill set to succeed at the highest level.

The Road Ahead: Can Kotian Fill Ashwin’s Shoes?

As Ravichandran Ashwin approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Indian cricket will be on the lookout for a spinner who can carry the torch forward. Tanush Kotian, with his all-round capabilities and mental strength, seems to be the front-runner for that role.

The journey from domestic cricket to international stardom is never easy, but Kotian’s steady rise suggests he has what it takes to make the leap. 

And if Kotian can continue to build on his performances, it won’t be long before we see him donning the Indian whites, spinning his web around the world’s best batsmen, and rescuing India from abysmal situations with the bat—just like Ashwin has done for over a decade.

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