In a move that has generated significant excitement among cricket enthusiasts, young all-rounder Tanush Kotian has been roped in by the Punjab Kings franchise as a net bowler ahead of their highly anticipated clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The decision underscores the Punjab Kings’ commitment to strengthening their preparations with high-quality practice sessions as the tournament moves into a crucial phase.
Tanush Kotian, who has made a name for himself through consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, has impressed selectors, coaches, and cricketing experts alike with his sharp off-spin bowling and reliable lower-order batting. His journey to this opportunity is a reflection of both his hard work and the growing trend among IPL franchises to scout emerging domestic talents for support roles that can significantly impact team practice and match readiness.
The Punjab Kings management sees Kotian as an important addition to their camp as they prepare to face a formidable KKR side known for its explosive batting and versatile bowling line-up. While Kotian may not feature in the playing XI immediately, his presence during net sessions is expected to provide valuable support to the team’s main bowlers and help key batsmen fine-tune their technique against quality spin bowling. The emphasis during these practice sessions is not just on facing a variety of bowling styles but also on replicating match-like intensity, where a bowler of Kotian’s discipline and sharpness can offer considerable assistance.
For Tanush Kotian, this opportunity is more than just a temporary assignment. It is a chance to learn, grow, and possibly catch the attention of top-level coaches and scouts for future opportunities. Being around seasoned international players, experienced IPL campaigners, and some of the brightest young talents in the country offers immense learning experiences that could play a pivotal role in shaping his cricketing future. Kotian’s inclusion in the Punjab Kings camp also highlights the IPL’s role not just as a high-octane tournament but as a grooming ground for emerging cricketers who might otherwise take years to break into mainstream fame.
The timing of this move is significant, given Punjab Kings’ ambitions this season. With the tournament reaching its midway point and competition intensifying for playoff spots, teams are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Having an extra net bowler like Kotian allows the coaching staff, led by Head Coach Trevor Bayliss and Assistant Coach Wasim Jaffer, to manage workloads better and ensure that the frontline bowlers remain fresh for the matches. It also allows the batsmen to get extended practice against spin, something crucial given the varied nature of pitches that the IPL offers across different venues.
Kotian’s inclusion reflects a growing appreciation for versatile, hard-working domestic players who may not yet be household names but who possess the technical skill and mental toughness required at the highest levels. During his time with Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, Kotian earned praise for his ability to maintain pressure on batsmen with tight, disciplined spells. His ability to contribute handy runs lower down the order only added to his reputation as a dependable team player, and while Punjab Kings already boast a powerful roster of stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Arshdeep Singh, the value of someone like Kotian in behind-the-scenes preparations cannot be overstated.
For Kotian, the experience of bowling to players who have succeeded at the highest levels will be invaluable. Practicing with and against IPL stars could help him identify areas of improvement, refine his skills under the guidance of elite coaching staff, and develop the temperament needed to succeed in high-pressure situations. Whether it is understanding how top-order batsmen pick up length early or learning how international bowlers plan their overs meticulously, there is a lot that the young cricketer stands to gain during his stint with the Punjab Kings.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings fans, always passionate and supportive of their team, have welcomed the move as a positive step towards leaving no gaps in the team’s preparation. Social media was abuzz with excitement following the announcement, with many lauding the franchise for giving opportunities to young domestic talents like Kotian. The Punjab Kings have a history of nurturing young cricketers, and this move aligns well with their ethos of promoting promising players.
The upcoming clash against KKR will not be an easy one. The Kolkata Knight Riders have displayed a strong combination of power hitters and versatile bowlers throughout the season. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell bring a wealth of experience and explosiveness to their side. Preparing for such an encounter requires meticulous planning and robust practice sessions. With Tanush Kotian now in their ranks as a net bowler, Punjab Kings aim to simulate a variety of game scenarios, particularly to counter the spin threat that KKR could pose, or to ensure their batsmen can adapt to slower pitches if necessary.
Even though Kotian’s role is primarily confined to the nets for now, the IPL has often seen net bowlers rise to greater heights. Stories of players who started as net bowlers and later made it into playing XIs, and even into national teams, are not uncommon. Kotian, thus, finds himself in a position where hard work, patience, and seizing the moment could translate into bigger and better opportunities in the near future.
The Punjab Kings’ strategic use of net bowlers like Kotian also signals a broader shift in how IPL teams view practice and preparation. In an increasingly competitive environment, attention to detail off the field is becoming just as important as performance on it. Teams are constantly looking for ways to fine-tune every aspect of their game, and ensuring that quality practice resources are available is a vital part of that.
As the matchday against Kolkata Knight Riders draws closer, the Punjab Kings’ squad, fortified with fresh energy and supported by diligent net sessions, will hope to put forth a strong performance. For Tanush Kotian, the next few days promise to be an enriching experience, offering a glimpse into the workings of a high-caliber cricketing setup, and perhaps laying the foundation for a future where he himself could don the Punjab Kings jersey in a live IPL match.
In the grander scheme, moments like these serve as reminders of the IPL’s unparalleled role in fostering young talent, bridging the gap between domestic cricket and the glittering world stage. For now, Tanush Kotian remains focused, eager to make the most of the opportunity, and determined to leave an impression, even if his contributions for now are away from the limelight.