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Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian has earned his maiden Team India call-up as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in the ongoing India vs Australia Test series. The 26-year-old, known for his solid performances in domestic cricket, is set to leave for Australia on December 24. His inclusion means he will exit Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad to bolster India’s Test lineup.
Why Kotian?
Tanush Kotian’s recent performances have been stellar. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he bagged 29 wickets at an impressive average of 16.96 and scored over 500 runs, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai’s title triumph. His all-round capabilities make him a valuable asset for Team India.
His experience with India A, including a match against Australia A, has further prepared him for this challenge. Although he managed just one wicket in that game, his 44-run contribution showcased his potential as a reliable all-rounder.
Kotian’s First-Class Stats
| Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | 100s & 50s | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Bowl SR | 5w & 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 1525 | 41.21 | 2 & 13 | 101 | 25.70 | 46.4 | 3 & 0 |
Standing tall at 6 feet, Kotian’s off-spin and batting prowess resemble that of Ashwin. His ability to generate bounce makes him a handy player on Australia’s high-bounce pitches.
Axar Patel’s Omission
Kotian’s inclusion has sparked questions about Axar Patel’s role in the team. Axar, once touted as the successor to Ashwin and Jadeja, now finds himself sidelined. Is this a shift in India’s strategy, or does Kotian’s versatility simply provide a better fit for the current conditions?
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, all eyes will be on Kotian to see how he steps up in Ashwin’s absence. Can he deliver under pressure and cement his place in the team?
