In a significant development for Indian cricket, the national team has called up Tanush Kotian, a promising 26-year-old off-spinner, to replace the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ashwin’s recent retirement after the Brisbane Test has left a notable gap in the squad, and Kotian’s inclusion marks a new chapter in his burgeoning career.
Early beginnings of Tanush Kotian
Born on October 16, 1998, Kotian hails from Udupi district in Karnataka but made his mark in Mumbai’s cricketing landscape. His cricketing journey began in age-group competitions, where he represented India in the Under-19 Asia Cup in 2017. Although he missed out on the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup, his performances in domestic tournaments soon caught the attention of selectors, leading to his debut for Mumbai in first-class cricket during the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season.
Domestic success of rising star from Mumbai
Kotian’s domestic career has been nothing short of impressive. Since his debut, he has taken 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 across 33 first-class matches while scoring 1,525 runs, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His standout performance came during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, where he was instrumental in Mumbai’s title win, finishing as the Player of the Tournament with 29 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.96, along with 502 runs at an average of 41.83.
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Bowling and batting prowess of the all-rounder
Kotian is not just a bowler; he is a versatile all-rounder. His right-arm off-spin bowling complements his lower-order batting skills effectively. In addition to his contributions with the ball, he has shown resilience and capability with the bat, making him a valuable asset for any team. His ability to contribute significantly in both departments makes him a perfect fit as Ashwin’s replacement.
Recent achievements of Kotian
In addition to his domestic success, Kotian has also represented India A, where he showcased his talent during a tour of Australia. He impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 44 runs and taking a wicket against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This experience will undoubtedly serve him well as he steps onto the international stage.
Replacing a player of Ashwin’s caliber is no small feat. With 537 Test wickets, Ashwin has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack for over a decade. However, Kotian’s inclusion reflects India’s commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing for future challenges. His recent form suggests that he is ready to embrace this opportunity and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
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