Delhi: Mumbai off-spin all-rounder Tanush Kotian has been included in India’s Test squad for the fourth and fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests in place of Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin retired from international cricket after the third Test in Brisbane, due to which the team needed a spinner. In this situation, the selectors chose Kotian despite options like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
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That’s why the quote was selected
While talking about the selection of Kotian, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that after Ashwin’s retirement, the team needed a spinner soon. Kotian is currently playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is expected to join the team on Tuesday.
Rohit jokingly said, “Tanush was selected because Kuldeep did not have a visa.” But, seriously, he praised Kotian and said, “He has been performing well for the last two years and recently also took part in the ‘A’ team’s tour of Australia. If we have to play two spinners in Sydney or Melbourne, we have their backup.”
26 year old Kotian has played 33 first class matches so far, in which he has taken 101 wickets and scored 1525 runs in 47 innings. His batting average is 41.21, which includes two centuries and 13 half-centuries.
Why were Kuldeep and Akshar not selected?
Rohit also explained why Kuldeep and Akshar were not available for selection. Kuldeep has recently undergone hernia surgery, while Akshar Patel has become a father and hence cannot travel.
He said, “Kuldeep is not 100% fit and Akshar is with his family. Tanush was the best option for us. He played an important role in Mumbai winning the Ranji Trophy last season.”