Born in Uttarpara, West Bengal, Kotal began playing football at the age of four after being inspired by his uncle, who was also a footballer. He then began his youth career with Chirag United before playing for the West Bengal youth team. Kotal also played for Wari in 2009. After spending time with the India under-19 side, Kotal joined the All India Football Federation's development I-League side, Pailan Arrows. He played in six matches during his debut 2011–12 season for the side.
After Pailan Arrows disbanded and before the 2013–14 season, Kotal signed with Mohun Bagan. He made his debut for the club on 23 October 2013 against Salgaocar. He came on as an 85th-minute substitute for Aiborlang Khongjee as Mohun Bagan won 2–1. Kotal scored his first goal for the club on 7 February2015 against Pune. His 77th-minute goal was the only one in a 1–0 victory for Mohun Bagan. He scored his second goal of his career, and second for the season, on 20 May 2015 against Royal Wahingdoh. His goal was the first of two as Mohun Bagan won 2–0. As well as providing two goals, Kotal also helped Mohun Bagan to win their first ever I-League title, and the first for a side from Kolkata, since the league was established in 2007. Following the league triumph, Kotal said "it is a dream come true for every footballer to be part of the I-League winning squad, and to win it at the start of your football career will act as a motivation to me in the coming days."
In July 2014, it was announced that Kotal would be among 84 Indian players who would be a part of the 2014 ISL Inaugural Domestic Draft, being available on loan from Mohun Bagan. On 22 July 2014, he was drafted in the fifth round of the draft by Pune City. He made his debut for the club in the Indian Super League on 18 October 2014 against Mumbai City. Despite starting the match, Pune City lost the match against their Maharashtra rivals 5–0. After his first season at the club, Kotal said the experience of playing in the Indian Super League really helped him, that he played at left back for all the games he played, and that playing with former Inter Milan defender Bruno Cirillo helped him improve. Kotal also returned to Pune City for the 2015 season but only played two matches.
On 14 June 2016 it was announced that Kotal had signed with Atlético de Kolkata for the 2016 Indian Super League season. He made his debut for the side on 2 October 2016 against Chennaiyin. Kotal started the match and played the whole 90 as Atlético de Kolkata drew 2–2.
International
Kotal first began his international career for India at the under-19 level. After successfully going through a trial, Kotal was selected into the squad that went on an exposure trip to China before playing for the side during the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers which India failed to make. He then played for the under-22 side during the 2013 AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers in Oman. He only played once during the qualifiers against Oman U23 as a left back. He was then part of the under-23 side to participate at the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea. Kotal's participation with the under-23 side then continued in 2015 when he was part of the squad that took part in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers in Bangladesh. After impressive performances for his club, Kotal made his international debut for India on 12 March 2015 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nepal. The match was also Stephen Constantine's first match as head coach for India. He played the full match but earned a sixth minute yellow card as India won 2–0. Nine months later, on 3 January 2016, Kotal helped India re-take the SAFF Championship when they defeated the reigning champions Afghanistan 2–1 in extra-time. Kotal started the match and played the entire match for India.
Style of play
During his youth playing career, Kotal played as a defensive midfielder. Once he joined the Pailan Arrows he said that he started to play all three positions in defense more, especially right and left back. Kotal is however adjusted to playing in the middle as well if needed.
