India has included Tanush Kotian, one new face in their squad for the remaining last two Tests of Border Gavaskar series against Australia. Tanush, the 26-year old rising talent, goes to his first experience and will replace Ravichandran Ashwin, as this veteran announced his international career retirement after the Test was played in Brisbane.
All-rounder Tanush Kotian joins the Indian red-ball setup. This player is a product of the age-group cricket system from Mumbai. Kotian has earlier represented India in U-19 cricket in 2017, playing in the U-19 Asia Cup. He was alongside several players who would go on to achieve significant fame and fame in the future like Riyan Parag and Arshdeep Singh. Kotian couldn’t make it to the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup that was held in New Zealand when India won under Prithvi Shaw’s leadership.
Breakthrough In Domestic Cricket
Kotian broke into the domestic cricket circuit after doing well in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and getting a chance in the Mumbai senior team. He played his first-class cricket at 20 years of age for Mumbai in the year 2018 when he picked two wickets against Saurashtra in the first innings. Over the years, Kotian has been a consistent performer for Mumbai, and his statistics include 101 first-class wickets with an average of 25.70 in 33 matches. In addition to that, Kotian has made notable contributions with the bat as well, scoring 1525 runs, two centuries, and 13 half-centuries.
Dominating In 2023/24 Season
Kotian played a crucial role in Mumbai’s victory in the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy. He was one of the standout players who won the title of Player of the Tournament, having taken 29 wickets and scoring 502 runs at an average of 41.83. His performances in this season put him firmly into the list of the best all-rounders in the domestic circuit.
International Call-Up & Recent Performances
The 26-year-old is also making an impact in the ongoing red-ball season in India, having taken 12 wickets from five matches. His solid performances earned him a spot in the India A squad that toured Australia ahead of the senior team’s five-Test series against Australia. During the tour, Kotian had a mixed outing, failing to score in the first innings but making a strong comeback with 44 runs and a wicket in the second innings.
A Valuable Addition To India’s Spin Bowling Arsenal
The Test series now heads into Melbourne and Sydney, the places where spinners always shine. So, with this in mind, Kotian will bring depth to India’s bowling attack. With veterans Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the ranks, Kotian may provide India with a much-needed spin bowling option for the remaining Tests in the series.
