Rohit Sharma on Tanush Kotian | Image: AP Photo
IND vs AUS, Boxing Day Test: Team India’s spinner cum all-rounder R Ashwin announced his retirement after the third Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. After which off-spinner Tanush Kotian was included in the Indian squad as a replacement.
Team India captain Rohit Sharma’s press conference was held on Tuesday before the Boxing Day Test starting from 26th December. Where he revealed the reason for selecting Tanush in the squad instead of selecting Kuldeep Yadav or Akshar Patel.
Tanush joined as replacement of Ashwin
After Ashwin retired from international cricket midway through the series, only two spinners were left in India’s current squad. In such a situation, the team had to look for options. Two spinners may be needed in Melbourne and Sydney. Therefore Tanush Kotian was immediately called to Australia. He was currently busy preparing for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is likely to join Team India on Tuesday.
Captain Rohit gave the reason for choosing Tanush
Kotian has joined Team India as a replacement for Ashwin. However, meanwhile the question arose as to why Akshar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav were not called to Australia in place of Ashwin. Captain Rohit Sharma has explained why Tanush has got preference over Kuldeep and Akshar.
Rohit said in the press conference held two days before the Boxing Day Test match, ‘Tanush Kotian has played in Australia. As far as Kuldeep is concerned, I think he does not have a visa, and he is also not 100 percent fit. Akshar Patel has recently become a father. Tanush is ready, we desperately needed a backup if we have to go with two spinners in Sydney… Tanush has shown what he can do.
Who is Tanush Kotian?
Tanush Kotian is ready to board the flight from Mumbai to Melbourne. Born on 16 October 1998 in Mumbai, Kotian is a right-arm spin all-rounder. He has participated in every age group tournament for Mumbai. He was also a part of the Under-19 World Cup team in 2017.
bat with bowling
During the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy, Kotian took 29 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 16.96. Along with bowling, he also showed his talent with the bat and scored 502 runs including a century. Mumbai team became Ranji champions that season and Tanush Kotian was chosen ‘Man of the Tournament’.
Tanush Kotian came at number 10 and scored a century.
You will be surprised to know that Tanush Kotian scored a brilliant century while batting at number 10 and brought Mumbai out of trouble and won. Kotian played an unbeaten inning of 120 runs in the quarterfinals of Ranji Trophy 2023-24.
Also read- Why is the match to be held on 26th December called Boxing Day Test, where did this word come from and what is India’s record?
