Tanush Kotian recorded his career-best match figures in first-class cricket in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2024-25 opener against Baroda on Sunday.
Tanush, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, picked up 9/122 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. But the all-rounder’s efforts could not save Mumbai cricket team from losing the contest by 84 runs.
The off-spinner got 4/61 in the first innings to restrict Baroda to 290 after the home team elected to bat first. Just as Baroda were looking to steady their ship after an initial collapse, Tanush struck twice.
Tanush first removed Shashwat Rawat - the top-scorer for India A in the Duleep Trophy 2024 - before sending back Baroda skipper Krunal Pandya, who was caught behind to reduce Baroda to 90/5. He returned to wipe off the tail as Baroda failed to get past the 300-run mark.
But Mumbai suffered a batting collapse and were all out for just 214 runs with opener Ayush Mhatre top-scoring for the visitors with 52. Finding themselves behind the game Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane started with spin from both ends in the second innings.
The 25-year-old Tanush responded instantly as he trapped Rawat in front for a first-ball duck in just his third over. A ball later, he caught Raj Limbani, another left-handed batter, in front of the wicket. In his next over, he castled Mitesh Patel as Baroda stared down the barrel at 23/4.
However, Krunal Pandya and Atit Sheth added 62 runs for the seventh wicket to take Baroda to a better position. Tanush broke the crucial partnership dismissing Atit for 26 and then caught Mahesh Pithiya off his own bowling to complete his third five-wicket haul (5/61) in his first-class career.
Baroda were skittled out for 185 in their second essay giving Mumbai a target of 262 to chase in the final innings. But Mumbai’s batting unit failed to fire yet again as they folded out for 177 and lost the contest by 84 runs.
