The selection of Tanush Kotian as a replacement for the retired Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming Tests against Australia has raised eyebrows, especially given the presence of established players like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided insights into this decision, highlighting three key reasons that led to Kotian’s selection.
1. Availability and Urgency
One of the primary reasons for choosing Tanush Kotian was his immediate availability. Rohit Sharma humorously noted that Kuldeep Yadav did not have a visa to travel to Australia, which complicated his selection.
“Tanush was here a month back. Kuldeep, I don’t think he has a visa; we wanted somebody to get here as quickly as possible,” Rohit explained during a press conference.
This urgency was critical as India needed a player ready to step in promptly after Ashwin’s retirement, making Kotian the most viable option.
2. Recent Performance and Familiarity with Conditions
Tanush Kotian’s recent performances in domestic cricket significantly bolstered his case for selection.
He was named the Player of the Series in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, where he scored 502 runs and took 29 wickets across ten matches.
His all-round capabilities, particularly as a right-arm off-spinner who bowls at a quicker pace than traditional spinners, make him an attractive option for the team.
Moreover, Kotian’s familiarity with Australian conditions, having toured with the India A team recently, provided him with an edge over his competitors.
Rohit remarked on Kotian’s readiness and adaptability, stating, “He played here and has shown what he’s capable of.”
This experience is invaluable as India prepares for crucial matches at venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
3. Fitness Concerns of Other Candidates
The fitness levels of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also played a significant role in the decision-making process. Rohit confirmed that Kuldeep is not fully fit after undergoing hernia surgery, which limited his ability to contribute effectively.
Additionally, Axar Patel recently became a father and was unavailable for selection due to personal commitments. “Kuldeep is obviously not 100 percent fit… Axar recently had a baby, so he was not going to travel,” Rohit explained.
Given these circumstances, Tanush Kotian emerged as the most suitable candidate to fill Ashwin’s shoes. His dual ability to contribute with both bat and ball strengthens India’s lower order—a crucial consideration in Ashwin’s absence.
