The Royals have just seven international players on their squad as they enter the IPL in 2024.
Mumbai spin-bowling allrounder Tanush Kotian has joined Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Adam Zampa, while Gujarat Titans have brought in Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter BR Sharath to replace the injured Robin Minz for IPL 2024.
Zampa, who was retained by Royals ahead of the December auction, withdrew from the competition due to personal reasons. He had a busy season leading up to IPL 2024, participating in the BBL and Australia’s limited-overs series against India, West Indies, and New Zealand since the end of the ODI World Cup.
Kotian, previously on the radar of several IPL franchises, was not picked in the 2023 auction due to being listed under BCCI’s Suspect Bowling Action. However, he impressed in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 502 runs and taking 29 wickets, contributing significantly to Mumbai’s title win. He also scored a century batting at No. 10. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kotian took nine wickets at an economy rate of 5.58 and starred in the final against Himachal Pradesh, hitting a six to secure the title for Mumbai.
With only seven overseas players in their roster, the Royals brought in Kotian at his base price of INR 20 lakh.
Gujarat Titans signed Sharath at the same base price after Minz, bought for INR 3.6 crore, was ruled out due to a bike accident. Sharath made notable contributions in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finishing with a strike rate of over 185, showcasing impactful innings in the lower-middle order.
