India chose Tanush Kotian over Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, with Kotian being a ready option as a backup spinner for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Mumbai’s off-spin bowling all-rounder, Tanush Kotian, has been included in India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket following the third Test in Brisbane. With Ashwin’s retirement, India found themselves without a fully established spinner, prompting the selectors to call up Kotian. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel were also considered, but Kotian was chosen for his recent performances and readiness to step into the team.
Currently participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kotian is expected to join the squad on Tuesday. His inclusion comes after he represented India ‘A’ during the Australian tour, where he scored 44 runs and picked up a wicket in one game. The spinner also played a key role in Mumbai’s 2024-25 Ranji Trophy win, scoring 502 runs and taking 29 wickets in 10 matches.
Rohit Sharma explained the decision, joking that Tanush Kotian was picked as Kuldeep Yadav did not have a visa. He noted that Kotian was ready to step in quickly, allowing India to maintain depth in the spin department.
“Tanush was here a month back. Kuldeep, I don’t think he has a visa, we wanted somebody to get here as quickly as possible. Tanush was the one who was ready and he played here. Not that… it was just a joke… not that Tanush is not good enough. He has shown in the last two years what he has done in domestic cricket and we really wanted just a backup. In case, we need two spinners playing here or in Sydney, you need a backup option,” Rohit said in the press conference.
“Kuldeep is obviously not 100% fit. He recently went through a hernia surgery and the other options, like Axar, he recently had a bady so he’s not going to travel. So, Tanush was the right option for us at this point and he has certainly shown in the domestic level what he’s capable of. He’s one of the reasons why Mumbai has gone on to win the Ranji Trophy last year. He played a major role as an all-rounder. A very good option for us, in case we need him, just so that all areas are covered,” the skipper added.
With the fourth and fifth Tests scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney, Tanush Kotian provides depth in the spin department, ensuring India is prepared for any scenario that requires two spinners.
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Last Updated on December 24, 2024
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