IND vs AUS: 26-year-old Tanush Kotian is set to replace recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The Mumbai off-spinner was also part India A's tour of Australia as a backup option for Washington Sundar.
"Kotian has been added as a safety net and also to keep the squad number intact for the last two games. He only comes into the picture if either among Washy or Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) gets injured," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Kotian is currently playing for Ahmedabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is expected to join the Indian team in Melbourne before the Boxing Day Test. He recently picked up two wickets for Mumbai and also scored an unbeaten 39 in match against Hyderabad.
Kotian had a good run at the Melbourne Cricket Ground recently, as he impressed with a gritty knock of 44 while batting at No. 8 for India A.
With 101 wickets and 1,525 runs, including two centuries, in just 33 first-class matches, his all-round capabilities are well established. Initially, Axar Patel was expected to join the squad in Australia. However, sources revealed that the left-arm spinner requested a break after playing two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to a family commitment.
Also Read - IND vs AUS: Mumbai's Tanush Kotian added to Border Gavaskar Trophy squad of Team India
Kotian's addition to the team comes in the wake of Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket. Following the drawn Test in Brisbane, the 38-year-old Ashwin concluded his illustrious career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble.
Ranji Trophy 'Player of the Tournament'
In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, Kotian got the award of 'Player of the Tournament' as he played a significant role in Mumbai's 42nd title triumph. He took 29 wickets and scored 502 runs with an average of 41.83 for his team including five fifties and a century.
Kotian's first-class cricket record highlights his impressive all-round abilities. In 33 matches, he has scored 2,523 runs at an average of 41.21 while also taking 101 wickets at a bowling average of 25.70. His consistent performances in domestic cricket have made him a strong contender for a place in the national team.
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