Cricket

Tanush Kotian, a lanky all-rounder from Mumbai's Vikhroli suburb, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. His journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping him into a determined and versatile player.Kotian's passion for cricket began at a young age, influenced by his father, a legend in tennis-ball cricket. Initially a pacer, he gradually developed a fondness for spin bowling. His talent was evident early on, as he helped Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy in 2023.However, a setback occurred in 2022 when Kotian's bowling action was deemed "suspect" during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite never being reported in any domestic game, this incident raised doubts about his future.Undeterred, Kotian used this episode as motivation to prove his worth. He worked tirelessly to refine his action and regain his confidence. His determination paid off when he was selected for India-A's shadow tour of Australia ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Kotian's versatility as a batting and bowling all-rounder has been a subject of debate. He believes in developing both aspects of his game equally, aiming to be a complete cricketer. This approach has been influenced by his coaches, who have emphasized the importance of thinking like a batter while bowling and vice versa.Kotian's success has not come without sacrifices. He spends countless hours away from home, honing his skills and pursuing his dream. His father's unwavering support has been a constant source of encouragement.In the 2024 Ranji Trophy, Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai's victory, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His impressive performance, including 502 runs and 29 wickets, catapulted him into national reckoning.Kotian's journey is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to navigate the challenges of professional cricket, he remains focused on achieving his ultimate goal of representing India at the highest level.

M. Shahrukh Khan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has emerged as a sought-after talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite being an uncapped player. Over the past four years, he has secured lucrative deals with various franchises, showcasing his exceptional batting abilities.In the recently concluded IPL season, Shahrukh played for Gujarat Titans, where he made significant contributions to the team's success. He scored 127 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 169.33, including a maiden IPL half-century. This performance highlighted his growth as a batter and his ability to adapt to different roles.Previously, Shahrukh played as a finisher for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, where he was tasked with scoring quick runs in the final overs. While his IPL numbers may not reflect his true potential, a closer examination reveals his consistent performance in the last two seasons. He has maintained a brisk strike rate, indicating his ability to clear the ropes effortlessly, especially against pacers in the death overs.However, Shahrukh has acknowledged his shortcomings against spinners. In the past, he relied heavily on timing and power, which made it difficult for him to counter the slower deliveries. This season, he worked diligently to improve his technique against spin, seeking guidance from Vikram Solanki and Mithun Manhas.The result of his efforts is evident in his improved strike rate against spinners, which has converged to similar levels as his strike rate against pace. He has also increased his boundary percentage, scoring one boundary for every four balls.Shahrukh's all-around abilities extend beyond batting. He is a tidy off-spinner who has consistently impressed with his bowling. In the 2023 TNPL, he topped the wicket charts and has continued to perform well this year, taking 11 scalps so far.Shahrukh's impressive performances have caught the attention of the national selectors. In 2022, he was called up as a back-up during a home series against West Indies. He believes that he is now a more well-rounded cricketer and is ready to take the next step in his career."I think I had a good IPL and made an impact in whatever chances I got. The numbers I have must also be seen in the context of where I bat, and (Ashish) Nehra was happy with what I have done. I am 100% certain I can get back in the reckoning in the next three years," Shahrukh said.