Tanush Kotian Replaces Ravichandran Ashwin In India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Prachi Kapruwan

The Mumbai off-spin-bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian has been added to India's squad for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media

He has been picked as Ravichandran Ashwin's replacement in the squad after the Indian spinner announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin | Image Source - Social Media

The 26-year-old Kotian is currently in Ahmedabad as part of the Mumbai squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is expected to fly to Melbourne on Tuesday

Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media

He is expected to be a backup for Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad after it is reported that Axar Patel might be unavailable

Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media

The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will kick off on December 26, Thursday

Indian cricket team | Image Source - Social Media

In a statement released by BCCI, it states that,

"The Men's Selection Committee has named all-rounder Tanush Kotian as an addition to India's squad for the fourth and fifth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."
Tanush Kotian in Ranji Trophy | Image Source - Social Media

Kotian has played 33 first-class games, scoring 1525 runs at an average of 41.21 with two centuries and 13 half-centuries, taking 101 wickets at an average of 25.70

Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media

He was also a part of India A's tour of Australia, where he played one match, scoring 44 runs and taking a single wicket.

Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media

A senior BCCI source also stated that,

"Kotian has been added as a safety net and to keep the squad number intact for the last two games. He only comes into the picture if either Washy (Washington Sundar) or Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) gets injured."
Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media

Kotian played a key role in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy 2023-24 win, awarded as the Player of the Tournament, scoring 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and taking 29 wickets at an average of 16.96

Tanush Kotian | Image Source - Social Media
Ravichandran Ashwin | Image Source - Social Media