Rohit Sharma explains why uncapped Tanush Kotian was picked as retired R Ashwin's replacement ahead of Axar Patel

IND vs AUS: In the absence of an injured Kuldeep Yadav and an unavailable Axar Patel, the selectors gave Tanush Kotian a maiden call-up.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 24 Dec 2024

Rohit Sharma of India in his post match press conference during day three of the Men's Test Match series between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 08, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia.

Highlights:

Tanush Kotian has 101 wickets and averages over 40 with bat in first-class cricket.

Kotian played one match for India A against Australia A.

Kuldeep Yadav is yet to regain 100 per cent fitness.

On December 23, the men's selection committee announced uncapped Tanush Kotian as replacement for R Ashwin who retired from international cricket after the Gabba Test ended in a draw. Kotian has been a performed in domestic cricket. However, it raised a few questions as he got the nod ahead of Axar Patel. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that Axar is not on the flight to Australia as he is on paternity leave.

"Tanush Kotian played here in Australia played a month back. Kuldeep I don't think he has a visa and he is not 100% fit. Axar has a baby recently. Tanush is ready, we really want a back up in case we need two spinners here or Sydney. Tanush has shown what he's capable of," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference on December 24.

Rohit also hinted that India may opt for two spinners in the fourth and fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, it also raises questions over why Ashwin was not convinced to delay his retirement by two more Tests if there was a possibility of playing two spinners in remaining Tests of the series.

How Kotian fared for India A in Australia

Kotian played one of the two red-ball games for India A against Australia A. He picked up one wicket in the second innings. With the bat, he followed up a four-ball duck with a patient 44-run knock.

The 28-year-old has 101 wickets at first-class level from 33 games at an average of 25.70 including three fifers. He has scored 1,525 runs from 47 innings at an average of 41.21 including two centuries and 13 fifties.

He was Mumbai's star performer as they regained the Ranji Trophy title last season. He scored 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and bagged 29 wickets at an average of 16.96.

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Kotian's rescue knock for Mumbai

In his last appearance in List A cricket (Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25), the Mumbai all-rounder took two wickets for 38 runs and then remained unbeaten for 39 in the tricky run chase against Hyderabad.

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Test debut for Kotian a possibility?

Even if Rohit decides to play with two spinners, it will be interesting to see whether Kotian gets to make his Test debut ahead of Washington Sundar.