NEW DELHI:
Tanush Kotian
, Mumbai's dependable figure renowned for his crisis management skills, played a pivotal part in their recent record-breaking 42nd Ranji Trophy victory. On Friday, Rajasthan Royals secured his services as a replacement for Australian player
Adam Zampa
.
Kotian was acquired by Rajasthan Royals at his base price of Rs 20 lakh, as announced by the IPL.
Despite Adam Zampa's retention under his Rs 1.5-crore contract after bagging eight wickets from six matches for the Royals in the previous season, the Australian leg-spinner opted out citing the heavy workload leading up to the T20I World Cup in June.
Kotian, an off-spinner and a handy lower-order batter, was expecting an IPL contract in 2023 after playing a vital role in Mumbai's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph but was reported for a suspect bowling action.
But the 25-year-old showed resilience to fight back and become the player-of-the-tournament (502 runs and 29 wickets) in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph this season.
Kotian, who usually bats at No. 8, scored an unbeaten 120 in second innings and followed it up with an 89 not out in the quarterfinal and semifinal games against Baroda and Tamil Nadu respectively.
IPL also announced Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter
BR Sharath
as a replacement for Robin Minz at Gujarat Titans.
Jharkhand's Minz was ruled out after getting injured in a freak motorcycle accident recently.
Sharath, who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, has so far played 28 T20s, in addition to 20 First-Class matches and 43 List A games, and has 328 T20 runs against his name.
He will join GT for his base price of Rs 20 lakh.
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