Get to know Tanush Kotian, Ravichandran Ashwin's replacement in India's squad

Tanush Kotian, an off-spin bowling all-rounder, has been one of Mumbai's best players lately. He has continuously shown his mettle in India's top red-ball competition and is renowned for his ability to perform well under duress. 

Tanush Kotian has received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team in Melbourne prior to the pivotal fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy match. He will join Rohit Sharma-led side ahead of the Boxing Day Test

The whole cricketing world was in a state of shock after legendary player Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of International cricket following the third Test of the India vs Australia series in Gabba. Kotian will be joining the team as Ashwin's replacement. Kotian just like Ashwin bowls off-spin and is a right-handed batter.

In the Indian domestic circuit, Kotian has been among the top off-spinning all-round players. Prior to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, he was a member of the India A team, which went on tour in Australia. Kotian has played 33 first-class matches and has 101 wickets to his name. He has also amassed 1525 runs at an average of 41.21 which also includes 13 fifties and 2 centuries.

Kotian's bowling style is frequently likened to Ravichandran Ashwin's. He uses speed, delivering between 85 and 90 kph, which adds bounce and turn. He is a great asset because of this ability as well as his talent for ending partnerships. Kotian developed his abilities playing gully cricket while growing up in the busy lanes of Vikhroli, Mumbai.

Tanush has also played in the Indian Premier League, but he has only ever played for the Rajasthan Royals that too just for one match. In 2024, he made his IPL debut and participated in just one match. Tanush Kotian was unsold in the 2025 mega auction when no bid was received.

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tanush Kotian