Mon Dec 23 18:52:43 UTC 2024: ## India Calls Up Uncapped All-Rounder Kotian for Final Two Australia Tests
**Sydney, Australia –** India has announced a single squad change for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Uncapped all-rounder Tanush Kotian has received his maiden call-up to the national team, replacing the recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin.
Kotian, a 26-year-old from Mumbai, has impressed with both bat and ball in domestic cricket. A member of India’s Under-19 squad in 2017, he has since established himself as a key player for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. His strong all-round performance in the 2023/24 season, which saw him win the Player of the Tournament award with 29 wickets and 502 runs, cemented his place as a rising star. Kotian also boasts a first-class record of 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 and 1525 runs, including two centuries. His recent century against Rest of India in the Irani Cup further highlighted his talent, earning him a spot in the India A squad that toured Australia.
Kotian’s selection is particularly significant given the upcoming matches in Melbourne and Sydney, where spin bowling is often more effective. He will provide valuable support to experienced spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. The announcement follows the news of Ashwin’s international retirement after the Brisbane Test.
The news comes as India also announced that an unnamed pacer has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to injury. Meanwhile, England’s women’s cricket team have announced their squad for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
First Piper 