The ongoing Duleep Trophy has once again showcased the depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket structure. With Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja having set high standards in international cricket, there is always curiosity about who could follow in their footsteps. The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious red-ball tournament, has brought to light three promising spin all-rounders who are already catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike. These players are showing immense potential to be the next big thing for India in Test cricket.
Tanush Kotian: The Emerging All-Rounder from Mumbai
Tanush Kotian, a 26-year-old off-spinner from Mumbai, has once again showcased his all-round abilities during the Duleep Trophy. Batting at number eight for India A, he contributed a crucial 53 runs against India D, showing his capability with the bat in pressure situations. In the bowling department, he took four wickets in the second innings with his right-arm off-break, consistently troubling the batsmen with bounce and turn.
Kotian’s domestic records speak for themselves. In 28 first-class matches, he has bagged 81 wickets and scored a century along with 12 half-centuries, proving his worth as a genuine all-rounder. His knack for generating bounce and deceiving batsmen with variations makes him a player to watch for in the coming years.
Manav Suthar: The 22-Year-Old Prodigy in the Making
At just 22, Manav Suthar is being talked about as one of the most exciting left-arm orthodox spinners in Indian cricket. His ability to deceive batsmen in the air and his controlled bowling has made him a potential successor to the likes of Ashwin and Jadeja. In the Duleep Trophy, Suthar made a mark by scoring 82 runs off 156 balls for India C, batting at number seven. His disciplined and patient innings showed his maturity beyond his years.
Although the pitch didn’t offer much assistance in the match against India B, Suthar’s performance in previous matches, where he took five wickets, continues to highlight his bowling talent. Given his young age and the intelligence he brings to his game, Suthar is a long-term prospect for Indian cricket.
Shams Mulani: The Mumbai Star Showing All-Round Excellence
Shams Mulani, a 27-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner from Mumbai, has been consistently performing well in domestic cricket. In the Duleep Trophy match against India D, Mulani made an impactful contribution both with the bat and the ball. He scored 89 runs in the first innings, hitting eight boundaries and three sixes, proving his middle-order batting prowess.
With the ball, Mulani picked up crucial wickets, including big names like Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, and Shreyas Iyer. His ability to perform under pressure with both bat and ball has made him a valuable asset in the domestic circuit. With the experience he has gathered, Mulani is poised to make a strong case for selection in the Indian Test team.
Future of Spin in Indian Cricket Looks Bright
These three players, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, and Shams Mulani, have not only showcased their skills but have also demonstrated the hunger and determination to succeed at the highest level. As India continues to produce top-quality spinners, it won’t be surprising if these young all-rounders find themselves playing a key role for the Indian cricket team soon. Their performances in the Duleep Trophy are a testament to the strength of India’s domestic cricket system, which continues to nurture world-class talent.
