Tanush Kotian (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the addition of all-rounder Tanush Kotian to the
Indian cricket squad
for the fourth and fifth Tests of the ongoing
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
against Australia. The decision comes ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Kotian, an off-spinner from Mumbai, has been rewarded for his impressive performances in domestic cricket. In his 33 first-class matches, he has taken 101 wickets at an average of 25.70, including three five-wicket hauls.
Additionally, he has scored two centuries and 13 half-centuries, showcasing his batting abilities.
The 24-year-old was part of the India A squad and played in the second first-class game against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, providing him with valuable experience on Australian soil.
Kotian's selection is justified after his outstanding all-round performance in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, where he played a pivotal role in Mumbai's triumph.
He was named the Player of the Tournament for his remarkable contributions, scoring 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and taking 29 wickets at an average of 16.96.
Kotian's inclusion in the Indian squad comes as a replacement for the experienced R Ashwin, who announced his sudden retirement at the conclusion of the third Test in Brisbane.
This left the team with only two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, in the squad.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently tied at 1-1 after three Tests, with the crucial matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) remaining.
Kotian's addition provides the Indian team with an additional spin-bowling option and batting depth as they aim to clinch the series against the formidable Australian side.
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