Tanush Kotian, an off-spinning all-rounder from Mumbai, is off to Australia, joining the Indian men’s cricket team in the present Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket after the third Test at Brisbane.
Domestic End Achievements by Kotian
Kotian, 26, has been the pick of the lot in domestic cricket. He has so far played 33 first-class matches where he has amassed 1,525 runs at an average of 41.21, besides picking up 101 wickets at 25.70. All-round skills by Kotian proved crucial to Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy win in the 2023-24 season as he emerged as the Player of the Tournament. During that season, he accumulated 502 runs at 41.83 and grabbed 29 wickets at 16.96.
Transition of Kotian to the National Team
At present, he plays for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He used to travel from Ahmedabad to Mumbai to fly to Melbourne to join the Indian team in the third Test. His transition would have been an easy one with no issues on visa as he recently was a part of India A tour to Australia.
Kotian and his Unique Bowling Style
Tanush Kotian brings an off-spinner’s style to the game in a different way. Unlike the normal off-spinners, Kotian uses variations in both pace and trajectory to deceive the batsmen. The ability to extract turn from even flat surfaces makes him a great asset. And with the knack of getting it right under pressure, he has been noticed in high-stakes domestic games. With these qualities, Kotian could be the trump card for India on Australian pitches known for bounce and carry.
Shami’s Fitness Concerns
On the other hand, the return of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami to the national side has been kept back. BCCI Medical Staff has ruled him out for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami had mild swelling in his left knee because of the workload while bowling after returning from an extended break. He is not ready to regain playing at the highest level, as indicated by that swelling.
Shami back to the field
Shami started his rehabilitation by bowling 43 overs for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November without any discomfort being visible. He played all the matches of Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The BCCI Medical Team kept him under close observation for inclusion in the Test squad in Australia during this period, but the swelling that has arisen recently indicates he needs a little more time to finish off his rehabilitation.
Implications for the Indian Squad
Kotian’s inclusion adds depth to India’s spin options following Ashwin’s retirement. His recent experience in Australia with the India A team should aid his acclimatization to the conditions. Meanwhile, Shami’s absence continues to be a setback for India’s pace attack. The team management will need to strategize accordingly for the remaining matches of the series.
Looking Ahead
How it plays out for India in the series only time will tell, but surely, there needs to be adjustment. The entry of Kotian might make all the difference in having a new dimension in bowling. Fans and analysts are keenly awaiting how this could change the outcome of Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
