Being part of the Indian team as a net bowler gave me confidence: Kotian

Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian returned figures of 4 for 72 as West Zone dismissed North Zone for 251 in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The match, scheduled from August 23 to 26, 2026, saw West Zone, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, make a strong start with the ball.

Kotian was part of the Indian squad that is currently touring Sri Lanka as a net bowler, alongside the likes of Shivang Kumar, Harsh Dubey and Vipraj Nigam. Kotian credited the time he spent with the senior side in the confidence that shaped his figures in the game.

"I bowled with confidence because I was with the Indian team in Sri Lanka [as a net bowler]," Kotian said, as quoted by The Hindu.

Kotian credited two experienced coaches for the improvements he has made to his game. He also pointed to the work done at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), and elaborated on the impact of advice from Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, two of India's spin-bowling stalwarts.

"When I was with the India team in Sri Lanka, Sairaj [Bahutule] sir taught me a lot of things. Even Sunil Joshi sir [here at the CoE]. I have improved a bit with my angles, changed my run-up a little and am learning to use the wind. I have also learnt a lot from what Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin have shared with me. It's all helping me now," Kotian said.

The guidance from Jadeja and Ashwin, two of India's most accomplished spin bowlers, has clearly left a mark on Kotian's approach. The adjustments to his angles and run-up, combined with a better understanding of how to use conditions, were visible in his four-wicket performance against North Zone.

Kotian was called up to the Indian Test squad for the final two matches of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia after Ashwin retired mid-series. That remains his most prominent brush with the senior setup, and he has not been included in the Indian squad since that tour.

Despite consistent performances that have kept him in the India-A set-up, Kotian was passed over for the off-spinner's slot in the Test team, with Saransh Jain being selected ahead of him. The Duleep Trophy provides him a direct opportunity to press his case, and his four-wicket return in the quarterfinal reinforces his standing as one of domestic cricket's most reliable spinners.