AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma reveals why Tanush Kotian emerged as surprise spin choice for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) will have some new and young players in the mix as the uncapped Indian player, Tanush Kotian, replaced the legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian Test squad. Notably, Ashwin had announced his retirement after the conclusion of the Brisbane Test. As a result, this will be the first time the 26-year-old made it to the national side, after his consistent performances in first-class cricket.

Meanwhile, the Boxing Day Test to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is just two days away, and both teams are pondering over making some changes in their sides as per the playing conditions of the MCG. However, Kotian's selection ahead of the spin stalwarts like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav posed some questions surfacing on why the Indian spin duo, who have more experience were not given preference ahead of him.

In the same vein, ahead of the upcoming 'Boxing Day' Test, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma during a recent interaction, revealed the reasons for selecting Kotian over the vastly experienced spinners. In the process, he also shed light on the availability of Kuldeep and Axar and mentioned that Kotian has proved his capabilities in domestic cricket.

“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 had a baby recently. Tanush is ready, we really want a backup 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 Tuesday.   

Kotian’s promising performance in the Ranji Trophy last season

Tanush Kotian might only have a knock of 41 and a sole wicket while representing India 'A' in Australia, he had a great Ranji Trophy in the 2023-24 season, where he performed exceptionally with both bat and the ball. Kotian produced some praiseworthy performances for Mumbai in first-class cricket.

Also Read: Tanush Kotian added to India’s Test squad

In the 33 matches, he has taken 101 wickets and scored 1,525 runs at an average of 41.21. Besides, Kotian scored 502 runs in the 10 matches he played in the last Ranji Trophy season at an average of 41.83. Moreover, he also took 29 wickets at an average of 16.91 and an economy of just 2.91.