Tue Dec 24 18:40:14 UTC 2024: ## Surprise Pick! Kotian Replaces Ashwin in Indian Squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
**Sydney, Australia** – With Ravichandran Ashwin’s surprise retirement from international cricket, India has called up uncapped off-spinner Tanush Kotian for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches. The selection, bypassing more experienced players like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, sparked immediate questions.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the selection in a pre-match press conference, explaining the decision. He cited Kotian’s recent experience playing in Australia with the India A team, Kuldeep Yadav’s visa issues and lack of full fitness, and Axar Patel’s recent paternity leave as key factors. Sharma emphasized the need for a readily available backup spinner, stating, “Tanush is ready… we really want a backup in case we need two spinners here or in Sydney.”
Kotian, a right-handed batsman and off-spinner, impressed with his performances for Mumbai in domestic cricket, including a Player of the Tournament award in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. His impressive first-class record boasts 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 and 1525 runs in 33 matches. His recent success with Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Irani Trophy further solidified his credentials. The uncapped player now has the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.
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