Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Tanush Kotian’s personal batting coach Rajesh Sanil revealed he was pleasantly surprised to see Kotian opening against Punjab Kings in his debut IPL game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday.

While chasing Punjab’s 147-8, Kotian scored a 31-ball 24 with three fours and shared a 56-run opening stand (in 8.2 overs) with Yashasvi Jaiswal (29-ball 39) in RR’s three-wicket win.