Mumbai's U-19 all-rounder Tanush Kotian got the most memorable birthday gift yesterday when the national junior selection headed by Venkatesh Prasad granted him a place in the India U-19 team for the Asia Cup to be held in Malaysia next month. Off-spinning all-rounder Tanush, 19, was training at the MCA-BKC indoor academy with his West Zone teammates for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy one-day tournament starting October 24 in Akota, when he got the news of his selection. "Though I performed well for Mumbai in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, I was not expecting to be selected. It was a surprise for me; it's a nice birthday gift," said Tanush, who claimed nine wickets and scored 120 runs in four Vinoo Mankad Trophy matches.

Tanush Kotian