Chandigarh, December 24, 2024: Mumbai’s off-spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian was selected as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement in India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, following Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket after the third Test in Brisbane. While India had other options like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, the selectors chose Kotian, and captain Rohit Sharma provided an explanation.
With Ashwin’s mid-series retirement, India needed another spinner for the upcoming matches in Melbourne and Sydney. Kotian, currently playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, was called up and is expected to join the squad by Tuesday.
Rohit Sharma, while joking about Kotian’s selection due to Kuldeep’s visa issues, also praised the Mumbai all-rounder for his consistent performances over the past two years. Rohit mentioned that Kotian had impressed during the ‘A’ tour in Australia, where he scored 44 runs and took a wicket in his only appearance. He further explained that the team wanted a back-up option in case they decided to play two spinners in the final Tests.
Summary: Rohit Sharma explained that Tanush Kotian was chosen to replace Ashwin due to visa issues with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, while also highlighting Kotian’s strong performances in recent years.