AUS vs IND: Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden decision to retire from international cricket took everyone by surprise, as India had no replacement ready to replace the likes of the master spinner.
When Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement after the conclusion of the Gabba test, India had to pick someone who could replace the master off-spinner in the upcoming Boxing Day test at the MCG and the final BGT test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
After having a series of good Ranji Trophy seasons and also having a fine Duleep Trophy season with both the bat and ball, Mumbai’s uncapped off-spinner Tanush Kotian has been picked for India’s squad for the final two tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Tanush Kotian is undoubtedly one of the finest domestic options currently to replace the likes of Ashwin’s legacy in the format. Kotian, playing his first-class career with Mumbai, has played in 33 matches.
Appearing in 33 matches, he has picked 101 wickets while also scoring 1500+ runs in the format, as he has averaged 41+ alongside scoring hundreds for his domestic side.
Washington Sundar or Tanush Kotian: Who will be paired against Jadeja for the Boxing Day test?
India will have to take over Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role, as he has not bowled as much as he could have. Probably a better batter, Reddy might be dropped from the side, as India is advancing to the MCG with the hope of winning the series and hence might need two spinners in the playing 11.
Ravindra Jadeja, who has been picked for the Gabba test, is also expected to feature in the Boxing Day test, as the other spinner to be placed alongside him would be either Washington Sundar, who played some amount of international cricket, or the newly picked Tanush Kotian, who might also be brought in as the substitute spinner taking up the role of Ravi Ashwin.
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