Mumbai's off-spin bowling all-rounder, Tanush Kotian, has been selected to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in India's squad for the fourth and fifth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, following Ashwin's retirement from international cricket after the third Test in Brisbane. Although India had several alternatives, including Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, the selectors opted for Kotian. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, provided insights into this decision.

With Ashwin's unexpected retirement during the series, India found themselves lacking a spinner ahead of the upcoming Tests scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney. Consequently, Kotian was summoned, and the Mumbaikar, currently participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is anticipated to join the team on Tuesday.

The day after the announcement, Rohit humorously remarked to the media that Kotian's selection was due to Kuldeep's visa issues. However, he also expressed genuine admiration for the Mumbai all-rounder, who had previously participated in the ‘A’ tour in Australia before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he scored 44 runs and took one wicket in his sole match.

“Tanush was here a month ago, and Kuldeep doesn't have a visa. We needed someone who could arrive promptly. Tanush was prepared and performed well here. Jokes aside, he has been excelling over the past two years, and we wanted a backup in case we decided to field two spinners in Sydney or Melbourne," he stated.

In total, the 26-year-old has played 33 first-class matches, claiming 101 wickets at an average of 25.70. He has also accumulated 1,525 runs in 47 innings, averaging 41.21, which includes two centuries and 13 half-centuries.

‘Kuldeep is injured, Axar had a baby’

Rohit elaborated on the reasons for not selecting Kuldeep or Axar as Ashwin's replacement. Kuldeep recently underwent hernia surgery, while Axar was unavailable due to the recent birth of his child.

"Kuldeep is not fully fit following his hernia surgery. Axar just became a father, so he was not in a position to travel. Therefore, Tanush emerged as the most suitable choice for us, and he was likely a significant factor in Mumbai's success in winning the Ranji Trophy last season," he stated.

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