Kotian takes four for 72 as West Zone dismiss North for 251 on Duleep Trophy opening day

Tanush Kotian took four for 72 for West Zone to help dismiss North for 251 on the opening day of the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru on Sunday. The 25-year-old off-spinner from Mumbai produced an opening-bowling performance that kept him in the selectors’ radar.

J Saransh Jain may have pipped Kotian to the off-spinner’s slot in the Indian Test team, but Kotian was previously called up for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in late 2024 after R. Ashwin retired mid-series. Though Kotian has never made the India squad after that Australia Tour, he has been part of the India-A set-up on the back of consistent performances and remains intent on improving.

Kotian’s four-wicket haul showcased a full repertoire: he opened the bowling, extracted significant turn, and used both the loop and the drift to trouble North Zone batters. Those variations contributed directly to West Zone dismissing North for 251 on the opening day.

“I bowled with confidence because I was with the Indian team in Sri Lanka [as a net bowler],” Kotian told reporters after the day’s play here. “I bowled to brilliant batters, and that helped me bowl accurately, and with bite and turn.”

Kotian also credited coaches and senior players for technical adjustments. “When I was with the India team in Sri Lanka, Sairaj [Bahutule] sir taught me a lot of things,” Kotian recollected. “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 added.

The display in Bengaluru served as a reminder of the reasons behind his earlier India call-up and of why he remains on the selectors’ radar.