In a significant development for Indian cricket, the national team has called up Tanush Kotiana promising 26-year-old, to replace the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin for the last two tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ashwin’s recent retirement after the Brisbane Test has left a notable void in the team, and Kotian’s inclusion marks a new chapter in his blossoming career.
The early beginnings of Tanush Kotian
Born on October 16, 1998, Kotian hails from Udupi district in Karnataka but has left his mark on the Mumbai cricket scene. His cricket journey began in age group competitions, where he represented India in it U-19 Asia Cup in 2017. Although he missed the ICC U-19 World Cup 2018His performances in national tournaments soon caught the attention of the selectors, which led him to debut with Bombay in first-class cricket during the Ranji Trophy 2018-19 season.
National success for Mumbai’s rising star
Kotian’s domestic career has been impressive. Since his debut, he has taken 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 in 33 first-class matches and has scored 1,525 runs, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His outstanding performance occurred during the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season, where he was instrumental in Mumbai’s title win, finishing as 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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All-rounder’s bowling and batting skills
Kotian is not just a bowler; It is a versatile all-rounder. His right-arm bowling effectively complements his lower-order batting skills. In addition to his contributions with the ball, he has shown resilience and ability with the bat, making him a valuable asset to any team. His ability to contribute significantly in both departments makes him the perfect candidate to replace Ashwin.
Kotian’s Recent Achievements
In addition to his national success, Kotian has also represented India A, where he showed his talent during a tour of Australia. He impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 44 runs and taking one wicket against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This experience will undoubtedly serve him well when he steps onto the international stage.
Replacing a player of Ashwin’s caliber is not an easy task. 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 he is ready to take advantage of this opportunity and contribute significantly to the team’s success.