Punjab Kings roped in Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian as a net bowler ahead of the franchise's crucial IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday. Kotian had gone unsold in the IPL auction in November.

He was first spotted bowling to PBKS' batters during their training session on Friday. He was also seen engaging in a thorough conversation with PBKS spin-bowling coach Sunil Joshi.

PBKS' decision to include Kotian in their squad ahead of the KKR game was tactical. With KKR having quality spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in their ranks, Kotian's inclusion aims to prepare the batters better.

The 26-year-old is a seasoned player in Indian domestic cricket. He played a pivotal role in Mumbai's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph earlier this season.

Kotian is known for his orthodox style of off-spin bowling. While PBKS have quality spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, and Praveen Dubey in their ranks, Kotian's off-spin will add depth to their training sessions.

Shreyas Iyer, who hails from Mumbai - the same city where Kotian lives, played a role in securing his services. Iyer is the captain of PBKS, who are currently at third spot on the points table with 10 points from 8 matches.

KKR will take on PBKS just over ten days after the latter defended 111 in Mullanpur. Last season, PBKS pulled off the record-breaking chase against KKR when they chased down 261 with eight wickets in hand. KKR are currently standing at the seventh spot with three wins from eight matches.

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