Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian is set to join the Indian squad for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, India Today reported on Monday, December 23. The versatile off-spinner, who can also contribute valuable runs with the bat, is scheduled to depart for Australia on Tuesday, just two days before the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
At 26 years old, Tanush Kotian will be added to India’s 18-man squad as a replacement for the esteemed R Ashwin. Ashwin made a surprising decision to retire from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, announcing his retirement after the conclusion of the third Test in Brisbane on December 18. Choosing to return home, Ashwin opted not to stay with the team for the remaining matches of the series.
Kotian has been in good form recently, having played a domestic 50-over match on Monday, December 23, in Ahmedabad. In Mumbai’s Group C game against Hyderabad, he bowled an economical 10 overs, taking 2 wickets while conceding only 38 runs. His performance underscores why he is considered the perfect replacement for Ashwin, given his proficiency in off-spin and his ability to contribute with the bat when needed.
ALSO READ: Vinod Kambli Hospitalised: Cricket Fraternity Rallies Behind Former Star Amid Health Scare
Joining forces with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, Tanush Kotian will strengthen India’s spin-bowling options in Australia. His addition is expected to provide the team with greater depth and flexibility in their bowling attack, which is crucial for tackling the challenging conditions in Melbourne.
𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐮𝐩
The Mumbai all-rounder is set to join India’s Border-Gavaskar squad in Melbourne, reports @Anishpathiyil
🔗 https://t.co/rX4RK5AD62 pic.twitter.com/854sHgOUNv
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) December 23, 2024
Throughout his career, Kotian has showcased his talent in domestic cricket, having played 33 first-class matches and claiming 101 wickets. He boasts three five-wicket hauls and five four-wicket hauls in red-ball cricket, highlighting his capability to take crucial wickets. Additionally, Kotian has amassed 1,525 runs, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries, demonstrating his all-round prowess.
ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara Highlights Concerns Over India’s Bowling Ahead Of Boxing Day Test
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Tanush Kotian represented the Rajasthan Royals in 2024. Although he went unsold in the mega auction for the 2025 season, his consistent performances in domestic cricket have kept him in the selectors’ radar. As he prepares to embark on this international stint, Kotian aims to make a significant impact and help India secure victories in the remaining Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
