Tanush Kotian - The Young Gun Who Filled Ashwin's Shoes in India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Squad

Tanush Kotian, a 26-year-old off-spin all-rounder from Mumbai, has been given a significant opportunity as he has been added to the Indian Test squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. This is following Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of retirement after the third Test, leaving a void in India's spin department. Despite his limited experience at the international level, Kotian's consistent and impressive performances in domestic cricket have earned him a spot in this high-pressure series, making him a player to watch in the future.

Tanush Kotian's Domestic Cricket Journey

Before entering the national team, Kotian had already made himself known in domestic cricket. With 33 first-class matches under his belt, the off-spinner has exhibited excellent all-round skills. As a batsman, he has scored 1525 runs at an average of 41.21, including two centuries and 13 fifties. His batting career has marked him out as a skilled performer under pressure.

Kotian is undoubtedly a sharp wicket-taker in the game when holding the ball. Kotian's consistency with regard to 101 wickets at 25.70 averages showcases his impressive records in the domestic tournaments. The very best performance Kotian came out with came during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season where Mumbai went on to win titles under him as a full member. Kotian scored 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and took 29 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.96, which made him the recipient of the coveted Player of the Tournament award. This outstanding display of skill and determination brought him into the limelight, and national selectors took notice.

The India A Experience in Australia: The Turning Point

Kotian's rise in domestic cricket coincided with a great opportunity to represent India A. Earlier this year, he was part of the India A squad during their tour of Australia. The experience was vital in getting him into the senior squad as it was an experience to get accustomed to the different conditions of Australia. Kotian's sole appearance in Australia was memorable as he had an all-round performance with 44 runs and a wicket.

His familiarity with Australian pitches in addition to his good domestic form have made him a natural bet for India's Test squad into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With a spot in the side confirmed, Kotian will now be one of those potential contributors to one of the most elite Test series in the cricketing calendar.

The absence of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel

Kotian's inclusion also happened at a time when other options were not available due to various reasons. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who had been an important part of India's bowling lineup, is still recovering from a recent hernia surgery. He was deemed unfit to participate in the demanding Test series, which opened the door for other candidates.

All-rounder Axar Patel was also on the list of probable substitutes, but he was not available as recently, he had a baby. Then, with Yadav and Patel out of the window, Kotian came forth as the best alternative choice. The national selectors and even Indian captain Rohit Sharma seemed to be very positive about Kotian stepping into the shoes and performing in the match.

Readiness of Kotian to take up the challenge

Rohit Sharma, while explaining why Kotian was brought into the squad, emphasized that he has been in good form as an all-rounder and that his performances during the India A tour of Australia have been good. "Tanush Kotian played here in Australia a month back with India A and performed well. He's ready to step up, and his recent form gives us confidence," Sharma stated. This recognition of Kotian's potential reflects the growing belief in his ability to make an impact on the international stage.

While only time will tell if Kotian plays in the playing XI for this series, the very fact that he has been selected into the team talks volumes about his increasing standing in Indian cricket. From what he has shown domestically and his stint with India A in Australia, Kotian is a safe bet to replace Ashwin in this all-important series.

Tanush Kotian Future Ahead

With India now locked in a battle with Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, many are watching Tanush Kotian, as this all-rounder who can adapt to various conditions has a lot to say for himself. Be it the Test series or Kotian's role in it, his inclusion in the squad is a testament to the hard work he has put in and the consistency in his performances in domestic cricket.

With swift rise from domestic cricket to being a part of India's elite Test squad, it was indeed swift, but the skills would speak for themselves that this was just the beginning. Building a strong and resilient squad for the future of India, Tanush Kotian, without a doubt, will be one of the watchable names in the next few years.