Kotian says pressure-building, not wicket-chasing, has driven his Ranji Trophy form

In Mumbai on November 4, 2026, Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian said that in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 he has shifted his focus from aggressively hunting wickets to building pressure on batters. He described the change in approach as deliberate and linked it to recent match success.

Kotian said the move away from wicket-chasing has delivered immediate returns for Mumbai, with a seven-for against Railways following an 11-wicket match haul against Haryana, performances he said demonstrate his growing influence. He has also moved beyond his earlier role as a fourth-change option and is taking on greater responsibility within the side.

“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.

“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,” the 28-year-old added.

On his longer-term aims, Kotian stressed that national selection is not entirely within his control while underlining his current priorities. “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 and Suryansh Shedge will miss the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy due to the Rising Stars Asia Cup. The pair’s unavailability for that domestic tournament is confirmed by the same report.

Their absence from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy leaves Mumbai without both players for that competition, while Kotian continues to emphasise pressure-based bowling as the foundation of his recent Ranji Trophy contributions.