India have picked uncapped Tanush Kotian as a replacement for recently retired R Ashwin in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here’s what prompted the tourists to pick the spin-bowling all-rounder over others.
Ashwin called curtains on his illustrious career after the rain-affected draw at the Gabba. With the series still on a knife edge at 1-1, India called up Mumbai spin-bowling all-rounder Kotian into the side. He is expected to bolster India’s spin flotilla that also consists of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.
Kotian, a right-arm off-spinner likened to Ashwin, has enjoyed a stellar domestic run lately. His first tryst with success of any notable significance came in last year's Ranji Trophy, where his 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and 29 wickets at 16.96, earned him the Player of the Tournament, helping Mumbai lift their 42nd title.
He also helped Mumbai win the Irani Cup with 64 and 114 against Rest of India. The red-hot form earned him with a spot in India A's side for their tour down under before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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When asked why Kotian was preferred over Kuldeep Yadav as Ashwin's replacement in a press conference two days before the Boxing Day Test, Rohit Sharma stated that the wrist-spinner is still recovering from a hernia surgery, ruling him out of contention.
On Axar Patel’s availability, the India captain clarified that the all-rounder is on paternity leave due to the birth of his first child, making Kotian the "right option at this point". He further highlighted Kotian's domestic exploits, emphasising its role in his maiden Test call-up.
"Kuldeep of course is not 100 per cent fit. He went through a hernia surgery. And the other options, like Axar - Axar had a baby, so he's not going to travel. Tanush was the right option for us at this point. He's certainly shown on the domestic level what he's capable of. He's probably one of the reasons why Mumbai has gone on to win the Ranji Trophy last year. He played a major role as an all-rounder, so a very good option for us," Rohit said.
Despite Kotian’s arrival, Sundar and Jadeja are still expected to be India’s first-choice spinners when they play the fourth Test at the MCG starting December 26.
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