3 reasons why India summoning Tanush Kotian ahead of BGT 2024-25 4th Test is the right move

Mumbai cricketer Tanush Kotian has received a national call-up for the final two Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. The 26-year-old all-rounder replaces the iconic spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test in Brisbane.

On Tuesday, December 24, during a pre-match press conference ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, captain Rohit Sharma shared his thoughts on Tanush's inclusion, stating:

“Tanush was here a month back. Kuldeep, I don’t think has a visa. We wanted somebody to get here as quickly as possible. That’s just a joke. Not that Tanush is not good enough. He has shown in the last two years what he has done in domestic cricket. And we really wanted just a backup in case, you know, we need two spinners playing here (Melbourne) or Sydney, you need a backup option.”

"Kuldeep of course is not 100% fit. He went through a hernia surgery. And the other options, like Axar - Axar had a baby, so he's not going to travel. Tanush was the right option for us at this point. He's certainly shown in the domestic level what he's capable of. He's probably one of the reasons why Mumbai has gone on to win the Ranji Trophy last year. He played a major role as an allrounder, so a very good option for us,” Rohit added.

As the young all-rounder looks to make his mark if given the opportunity, here are three reasons why India's decision to bring in Tanush Kotian for the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a wise move.

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#1 Tanush Kotian has a brilliant first-class record

Tanush Kotian made his first-class debut in 2018 against Saurashtra, where he claimed just two wickets at Wankhede Stadium. However, it was during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season that he truly made his mark.

Kotian played a key role in Mumbai's successful Ranji Trophy campaign, scoring 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and taking 29 wickets at an impressive average of 16.96, earning him the Player of the Tournament award. He was the only player that season to achieve the double of 500 runs and 25 wickets.

Kotian continued to impress in the 2024 Irani Cup, where he scored 64 and an unbeaten 114, both coming in the No. 8 position, helping Mumbai secure victory over the Rest of India in early October. He also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets in his sole bowling stint in that match.

In total, Kotian has played 33 first-class matches, amassing 1,525 runs at an average of 41.21, including 13 fifties and two centuries. With the ball, he has taken 101 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls.

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#2 Additional spin depth and flexibility

With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from international cricket, India’s spin attack now relies on Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Given Jadeja's crucial batting performance in the third Test, he is likely to remain in the playing XI for the fourth Test.

However, Australian pitches can vary greatly depending on the venue, and conditions can often change unexpectedly throughout a Test match. The inclusion of uncapped Tanush Kotian provides India with more options, especially if the conditions in the fourth Test are expected to support spin bowling.

Captain Rohit Sharma has mentioned that India might field two spinners, depending on the conditions, and Kotian could offer a fresh challenge to the Australian batters.

Standing at six feet tall, Kotian can generate extra bounce from the pitch, which could be a valuable asset. If the pitch begins to break up or spin, Kotian might be used as a surprise weapon to take advantage of any weaknesses in the Australian lineup.

Tanush was also part of the India A squad for the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Melbourne in early November, where he scored 44 runs across two innings and took a wicket. So, his inclusion not only strengthens India’s spin options but also provides the team with the flexibility to adapt and exploit any opportunities that may arise during the remaining Tests.

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#3 Long-term investment

At just 26 years old, Tanush Kotian has already demonstrated his potential in first-class cricket. With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring and Ravindra Jadeja nearing 37, India's spin department is poised for a transition.

In the coming years, Kotian could emerge as a key part of a spin attack alongside Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, depending on their returns, as India look to refresh and strengthen their bowling options.

By calling Kotian up for such an important Test series, India are investing in his development and giving him exposure to international cricket. This opportunity to be part of the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy could prove invaluable in shaping his career.

Even if Kotian doesn't make the playing XI for the remaining Tests, being in the squad with seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will provide him with vital learning experiences.