BGT 2024-25: Ashwin out, Tanush Kotian in! Axar, Kuldeep and Bishnoi ignored?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian is set to join Team India for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. As per reports, the 26-year-old off-spinner will leave for Australia on Tuesday, just two days before the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne.
Kotian has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test in Brisbane on December 18. Ashwin opted to return home instead of staying with the team for the remainder of the series.
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Kotian will strengthen India’s spin-bowling reserves, joining Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. However, his inclusion is primarily as an injury backup and he is expected to play only if required, according to PTI.
Notably, the selectors overlooked other spin options like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, which comes as a surprise given their recent performances. Kotian’s selection highlights the team management’s focus on balance and versatility in Australian conditions.
Earlier this year, Kotian was part of the India A squad that toured Australia. He impressed in an unofficial Test in Melbourne, scoring 44 runs and taking a wicket, showcasing his ability to deliver in overseas conditions.
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On the domestic circuit, Kotian played a 50-over match for Mumbai against Hyderabad in Ahmedabad as recently as December 23. He bowled 10 economical overs, picking up 2 wickets for 38 runs, underlining his current form.
The Mumbai all-rounder has played 33 first-class matches, taking 101 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls and five four-wicket hauls. With the bat, he has scored 1525 runs, featuring two centuries and 13 fifties.
Kotian also made an appearance in the IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals, although he went unsold in the 2025 mega auction.
With Ashwin’s sudden exit, Kotian’s inclusion offers India a spin-bowling option who can also contribute with the bat—an ideal backup as the team looks to regain momentum in the series.
