In a significant move to bolster their spin options in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the Indian cricket team has called up Tanush Kotian, a 26-year-old all-rounder from Mumbai. This development follows the sudden retirement of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after the third Test at Brisbane, leaving a void in India’s spin department.
Kotian, known for his off-spin and reliable lower-order batting, has been a standout performer in domestic cricket. His journey from the gully cricket grounds of Mumbai to the national team is a narrative of perseverance and skill. Kotian made his first-class debut for Mumbai in 2018 and quickly established himself as a key player. His performance in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, where he not only took 29 wickets but also scored 502 runs, earning him the Player of the Tournament, underscored his all-round capabilities.
The young cricketer has shown consistent form across formats for Mumbai, culminating in his selection for the India A team that toured Australia earlier this year. His performance in this series, particularly a crucial knock of 44 against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, proved his mettle on foreign soil. His first-class record boasts 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 and over 1500 runs at an average of 41.21 in 33 matches, highlighting his dual threat with the ball and bat.
Much like Ashwin, Kotian bowls off-spin with a slightly quicker pace, which could be advantageous on Australian pitches that offer bounce. His ability to chip in with crucial runs down the order adds depth to the batting lineup, potentially offering India a strategic advantage. His domestic success, particularly his performance in the Ranji Trophy, indicates he is no stranger to pressure situations, a quality essential for Test cricket.