India have reportedly handed a maiden call-up to Tanush Kotian, selecting him for the final two Tests against Australia, following R Ashwin’s retirement.
The 26-year-old Kotian, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, has received a call-up for the last two Tests against Australia, it is reported. The off-spinner, who excelled in the most recent Ranji Trophy season, picking up 29 wickets at an average of 16.96, is set to replace the now-retired Ashwin in the squad.
According to Sportstar, Kotian will leave for Australia on Tuesday, three days out from the fourth Test, beginning on Boxing Day at the MCG. He had been with the Mumbai team in Ahmedabad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s List A tournament.
Kotian has played 33 first-class matches, picking up 101 wickets at an average of 25.70. He has already scalped three five-fors, with best figures of 5-58. Kotian is also a handy batter, making 1,525 runs at an average of 41.21. He was involved in a historic partnership in last year’s quarter-final Ranji Trophy, when he along with Tushar Deshpande became the first pair since 1946 to score centuries at no.10 and 11. His unbeaten 120 helped Mumbai qualify for the semi-finals after the clash against Baroda ended in a draw.
Recently, Kotian was also picked for India A's squad ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He ended with just one wicket in the sole game he played.
Ashwin announced his international retirement following the Brisbane Test, putting an end to an illustrious career that saw him pick up 537 wickets.
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