Picture Credit: X
Mumbai batter Tanush Kotian played a key role in guiding his team to their 15th Irani Cup title on Saturday, October 5, after the side had secured a vital first innings lead against the Rest of India (ROI) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Kotian’s gritty unbeaten hundred helped Mumbai to end their Irani Cup drought after their last victory, which came 27 years ago during the 1997-98 season.
The 25-year-old played a mature knock to steer Mumbai innings, increasing their first innings lead of 121-run on day five after bundling out the Rest of India at the score of 416. While Sarfaraz Khan could not replicate his first innings knock of 222* off 286 deliveries, Tanush Kotian stood up on the big occasion to ensure that Mumbai reached a formidable score in their second innings, giving no realistic chance to the ROI team to go for the target.
Tanush Kotian first player to score two 50-plus scores while batting at number eight or lower in Irani Cup
As Tanush Kotian brought up his second First-Class century, racing to 1451 runs across 30 matches at an average of 41-plus, he also became the first player in cricket history to score two 50-plus scores while batting at number eight or lower in an Irani Cup match. In the First-Class cricket, he has registered 13 fifty-plus scores, while taking 88 wickets. In addition to his batting achievements in the Irani Cup, the Mumbai batter also made significant contributions with the ball. He finished with the figures of 3/101, marking the best bowling figures for a Mumbai bowler in their first innings.
Mumbai win their 15th Irani Cup title; most for any Ranji Trophy side
Mumbai, who started the final day from overnight 153/6, declared their second innings at 329 for eight, with an overall lead of 450 runs. Kotian, who scored 64 in the first innings, resumed his second innings on 20 to put up 114*, hitting 10 fours and a six. Rahane, who led Mumbai to their 15th title, also hailed Tanush Kotian’s performance at the post-match ceremony. "Winning the trophy after 27 years feel amazing. It was a red soil wicket. I will like to pick Tanush Kotian for his performances in the previous season and this match," he said.
While Kotian played a crucial knock, Sarfaraz Khan was adjudged the player of the match for his double hundred in Mumbai’s first innings. Speaking after the side’s win, Sarfaraz dedicated his double ton and the award to his brother, Musheer Khan, who met with an accident ahead of the match. "I follow the process well and came into the tournament with practice. You build up experience by playing in different grounds. You get knowledge on how to play on different pitches. I have a lot to learn by being around the Test team and can improve every facet of my game," said Sarfaraz.
