Mumbai, Dec 23 (UNI) In a significant move ahead of the upcoming fourth and fifth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India has named Mumbai offspin-bowling allrounder Tanush Kotian as the replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin.
The Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed the selection on Monday, with Kotian set to fly to Melbourne on Tuesday. This decision follows Ashwin’s sudden retirement announcement after the third Test in Brisbane, leaving a gap in India’s spin department as the series stands level at 1-1.
Kotian, 26, has been in exceptional form, particularly in the domestic circuit. His allround performances during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, where he was named Player of the Tournament, have been nothing short of outstanding.
The Mumbai spinner scored 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and picked up 29 wickets at a remarkable average of 16.96. He became the only player to achieve the rare feat of 500 runs and 25 wickets in the season, cementing his place as one of India’s most promising allrounders.
His inclusion comes after an impressive India A tour of Australia earlier this year, where Kotian impressed with both bat and ball. With 33 first-class appearances under his belt, Kotian brings valuable experience to the squad. His 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 and 1525 runs at an average of 41.21, including two centuries and 13 fifties, highlight his allround capabilities.
Kotian’s role will primarily be as a back-up for spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, with his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball providing added depth to India’s spin-bowling arsenal.
