Tanush Kotin Joins Indian Men’s Team for Ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
Mumbai’s off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian is set to make a significant leap in his cricketing career, as he joins the Indian men’s team for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The 26-year-old’s inclusion comes on the heels of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket after the conclusion of the third Test in Brisbane.
Tanush Kotian, a rising star in India’s domestic circuit, is expected to link up with the squad in Melbourne ahead of the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test. Currently representing Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Tanush Kotian will first return to Mumbai from Ahmedabad before boarding a flight to Melbourne on Tuesday. Given his recent participation in the India A tour of Australia, obtaining a visa is unlikely to pose any challenges.
This young cricketer has already made a name for himself in first-class cricket, where his numbers speak volumes about his capabilities. In 33 matches, Tanush Kotian has scored 1525 runs at an impressive batting average of 41.21, while also taking 101 wickets at a stellar bowling average of 25.70. His all-round prowess was pivotal in Mumbai’s victorious 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign. During the season, he accumulated 502 runs at an average of 41.83, including a century and five half-centuries, and claimed 29 wickets at a remarkable average of 16.96. His stellar contributions earned him the coveted ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
Notably, Tanush Kotian’s selection marks a milestone for Mumbai cricket, as he becomes the first spinner from the state to join the Indian Test team since former off-spinner Ramesh Powar. Known for his consistency and reliability, Kotian is widely regarded as one of the best off-spinning all-rounders in India’s domestic cricket circuit.
Though his journey in franchise cricket has been relatively limited, Tanush Kotian made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals during the 2024 season. In his lone appearance, he scored 24 runs but did not get an opportunity to bowl. Despite going unsold in the subsequent IPL mega auction for the 2025 season, his domestic performances have ensured his steady rise in Indian cricket.
Kotian’s inclusion in the national squad for the Boxing Day Test is a reflection of his growing stature in the Indian cricketing landscape. His ability to adapt to different formats, coupled with his all-round capabilities, has made him a strong contender for international cricket. The opportunity to don the national colors will undoubtedly be a defining moment in his burgeoning career.
Shami’s Comeback Delayed by Fitness Concerns
While the focus shifts to the new addition to the Indian team, Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated return to the squad has been further delayed. The seasoned pacer, who has been striving to regain full fitness, has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests of the series.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shami is dealing with swelling in his left knee, which has arisen due to the workload he has taken on since returning to competitive cricket. Although the swelling is not deemed severe, it has hampered his readiness for the rigors of Test cricket.
The 34-year-old pacer had been making steady progress in his recovery, starting with Bengal’s Ranji Trophy fixture against Madhya Pradesh in November. Shami bowled 43 overs in that match without any visible discomfort and went on to participate in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. Despite this, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) had been cautious about clearing him for Test cricket.
In the lead-up to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shami was rested as a precautionary measure. However, the BCCI Medical Team, which has been closely monitoring his rehabilitation, confirmed that he would require additional time to achieve full recovery. His participation in the ongoing domestic season will now depend on the progress he makes in his rehab program.
This recent setback comes as a disappointment, not just for Shami but also for the team management, which had been counting on his experience and skill for the final stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Shami’s availability in question, India will need to rely on other pacers in their squad to fill the void.
The BCCI has assured that Shami’s rehabilitation will continue under the supervision of their medical staff, with a focus on gradually increasing his workload. This approach aims to ensure that the pacer is fully prepared for the demands of international cricket upon his eventual return.
A Turning Point for Tanush Kotian Amid Challenges for Shami
The addition of Tanush Kotian to the Indian squad offers a glimpse of the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring continuity in the spin department. As one of the standout performers in domestic cricket, Kotian’s journey from Mumbai cricket to the national stage highlights the importance of consistent performances and resilience.
On the other hand, Shami’s extended recovery period underscores the challenges faced by fast bowlers in maintaining peak fitness levels, especially after enduring long layoffs. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but it also provides an opportunity for others in the squad to step up.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy enters its critical phase, all eyes will be on the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. For Tanush Kotian, it will be a chance to prove his mettle on the international stage, while the team continues to adapt and regroup in the absence of their seasoned campaigner, Mohammed Shami.
