Tanush Kotian Joins India Squad for Final 2 Tests in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian has been added to India’s squad for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The 26-year-old off-spin bowling all-rounder replaces Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket following the third Test in Brisbane.

A Rising Star Steps In

Kotian is set to fly to Melbourne on Tuesday and will serve as a backup for spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. The absence of Axar Patel, reportedly unavailable for selection, further emphasizes Kotian’s crucial role in the upcoming matches. The series, currently tied at 1-1, will resume with the fourth Test starting Thursday.

Kotian’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive domestic performances. Representing Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kotian was already in Ahmedabad before receiving the call-up to join the national team.

Stellar Domestic Record

The 26-year-old boasts an exceptional first-class cricket resume, having played 33 matches, taken 101 wickets at an average of 25.70, and scored 1525 runs at an average of 41.21. His batting record includes two centuries and 13 half-centuries.

Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s triumphant 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign, scoring 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and picking up 29 wickets at an average of 16.96. This outstanding all-around performance earned him the Player-of-the-Tournament honor and made him the only player that season to achieve the rare double of 500 runs and 25 wickets.

In addition to his domestic feats, Kotian was part of India A’s tour of Australia before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In his sole appearance, he scored 44 runs and claimed one wicket, showcasing his potential on Australian pitches.

Recent Contributions

Kotian’s recent form has also been noteworthy. During the ongoing Ranji Trophy, despite playing only two of Mumbai’s five games, he picked up 12 wickets at an average of 16.66. While his batting contributions have been limited this season, his performance in the Irani Cup earlier in October caught attention. Batting at No. 8, he scored 64 and an unbeaten 114, helping Mumbai secure a win over Rest of India. He also took three wickets in the same match, proving his value as a reliable all-rounder.

A Promising Future

The addition of Kotian aligns with the Indian team management’s focus on nurturing young talent. Alongside Rajasthan’s Manav Suthar, Kotian is viewed as a key prospect for India’s Test setup, with both players impressing selectors during the India A tour of Australia.

Shami’s Fitness Setback

Meanwhile, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the final two Tests due to fitness concerns. According to a BCCI media release, Shami experienced minor swelling in his left knee after returning to competitive cricket. The medical staff has advised more time for recovery, delaying his much-anticipated comeback.

Shami’s rehabilitation began with Bengal’s Ranji Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh in November. Despite showing promising signs of recovery and participating in subsequent matches, the swelling has hindered his readiness for international cricket. The BCCI medical team remains cautious, gradually managing his workload to facilitate a complete return.

India’s Squad for Final Two Tests

The updated squad reflects the team’s focus on depth and adaptability. Here’s the complete lineup:

1. Rohit Sharma (capt)
2. Jasprit Bumrah (vc)
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal
4. Abhimanyu Easwaran
5. Shubman Gill
6. Virat Kohli
7. KL Rahul
8. Rishabh Pant (wk)
9. Sarfaraz Khan
10. Dhruv Jurel (wk)
11. Ravindra Jadeja
12. Mohammed Siraj
13. Akash Deep
14. Prasidh Krishna
15. Harshit Rana
16. Nitish Kumar Reddy
17. Washington Sundar
18. Devdutt Padikkal
19. Tanush Kotian.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series is level at 1-1, with India achieving a commanding 295-run victory in Perth and Australia bouncing back with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw, with the Indian lower-order batters showcasing remarkable resilience.

Now the action shifts to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the fourth Test begins on December 26. The series will culminate with the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting January 3.

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