BCCIs Efforts to Replace Ravichandran Ashwin in Australia. In a strategic move following Ravichandran Ashwin’s surprise retirement from international cricket, the BCCI has named Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian as the replacement for the legendary spinner for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Kotian’s selection comes after a careful consideration of various options, and while Axar Patel was initially expected to fill the void, the all-rounder’s personal commitments led to a change in plans.[1]
Tanush Kotian has been added to India’s squad for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests in Australia as a replacement for the retired Ravichandran Ashwin. Learn why Kotian was chosen over Axar Patel, his impressive domestic record, and how he could impact India’s spin department in the crucial matches ahead.[2]
Why Tanush Kotian Was Chosen Over Axar Patel for Ashwin’s Replacement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Monday that 26-year-old Tanush Kotian would be added to India’s squad for the upcoming Tests in Australia. Kotian, a promising all-rounder from Mumbai, has been brought in as a potential backup for Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, as the team seeks to ensure adequate spin resources for the final two games of the series.[3]
Kotian, who has been part of the India A tour to Australia, brings a wealth of experience from domestic cricket, having played 33 first-class matches, taken 101 wickets, and scored 1,525 runs, including two centuries. His exceptional all-round performances made him a standout choice.
Kotian’s Impressive Domestic and India A Record
Tanush Kotian’s domestic record is a testament to his potential. In First-Class cricket, he boasts an average of 25.70 with the ball, having claimed 101 wickets, along with a strong batting average of 41.83. His match-winning performances helped Mumbai secure the Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season, where he was named Player of the Tournament. Kotian contributed 502 runs and 29 wickets, a remarkable feat for an all-rounder. His ability to perform under pressure was also evident during his time with India A, where he impressed with an innings of 44 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue that holds fond memories for him.[4]
Axar Patel’s Unavailability and Kotian’s Selection
Originally, Axar Patel was considered for the role as Ashwin’s replacement due to his experience and proven track record in Test cricket. However, Patel requested a break after playing the first two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, citing personal reasons. This left the BCCI with the decision to bring in Kotian as a backup spinner for the upcoming Tests. Kotian’s addition to the squad ensures India maintains their spin depth, with the potential for him to step in if either Jadeja or Sundar faces an injury issue during the series.[5]
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Retirement: A Tribute to His Legendary Career
Ravichandran Ashwin retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. With over 700 international wickets, Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket after Anil Kumble. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially in Test matches, were pivotal in establishing India as a dominant force in international cricket. Ashwin’s legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of spinners, including young talents like Kotian, who will now have the opportunity to carry forward his legacy.[6]
Tanush Kotian’s Role in India’s Spin Department
As a versatile all-rounder, Kotian’s addition strengthens India’s spin department, which already boasts stalwarts like Jadeja and Sundar. With Kotian’s ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball, he is expected to add valuable depth to India’s squad for the remaining Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.[7]
Kotian’s Upcoming Tour to Australia
Tanush Kotian, currently representing Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will leave for Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test. He will join the team for the final two Tests of the series, offering valuable cover for the spin department, ensuring India has adequate backup should the need arise.
BCCI Confirms Mohammed Shami’s Injury Concerns and Reveals R. Ashwin’s Successor for Test Matches
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that Mohammed Shami‘s participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is in jeopardy due to injury concerns. Shami has been ruled out of the remaining Tests of the series after experiencing swelling in his left knee, following an increase in his bowling workload. Meanwhile, the BCCI has also finalized Tanush Kotian as the replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in the Test squad after Ashwin’s surprising retirement announcement.[8]
Mohammed Shami’s Injury Update: Knee Setback Puts His Future in Doubt
Mohammed Shami, who had previously battled an Achilles tendon injury, made his return to cricket during the Ranji Trophy in November 2023, where he impressed by picking up 7 wickets across two innings. His subsequent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) also earned him praise. However, after an increase in his bowling workload, Shami has now encountered a setback in the form of swelling in his left knee.[9]
The BCCI Medical Team has confirmed that while Shami has fully recovered from his right heel surgery, the added workload has led to minor swelling in his left knee. This new development has ruled him out of contention for the remaining two Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The medical team will continue to work with Shami on strength and conditioning, with his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy dependent on the progress of his recovery.
BCCI’s Official Statement on Shami’s Recovery
In an official statement on December 23, the BCCI outlined Shami’s current injury status. It was revealed that while Shami has fully recovered from his Achilles tendon injury, his left knee has developed swelling due to the increased bowling loads following a long period of rehabilitation.
“The BCCI Medical Team has been closely monitoring Mohammed Shami’s recovery, and while he has recovered from his right heel surgery, the swelling in his left knee due to increased joint loading has ruled him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work to build up his bowling load.”[10]
The BCCI also emphasized that Shami’s return to fitness will be monitored, and his involvement in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on his knee’s recovery.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Retirement: Tanush Kotian Named as Successor
In another key update, the BCCI Selection Committee has finalized the replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin following the veteran off-spinner’s retirement from international cricket. Ashwin’s unexpected decision to retire after the Gabba Test left a significant gap in India’s spin department, and Tanush Kotian has now been added to the squad for the remaining Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.[11]
Tanush Kotian: The New Spin Hope for India
Tanush Kotian, a Mumbai-based off-spinner, has been a standout performer in domestic cricket. Kotian, who has played 33 first-class matches, boasts an impressive 101 wickets at an average of 25.70, and he has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring over 1,500 runs, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His all-round abilities were key to Mumbai’s success in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, where he was named Player of the Tournament.[12]
Kotian’s experience with India A during their recent tour of Australia further strengthened his case for the Test squad. He also impressed with an innings of 44 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, demonstrating his capability on Australian pitches.
India’s Squad for the Final Two Tests Against Australia
With Tanush Kotian replacing Ashwin, the BCCI has named the following squad for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh Krishna
- Harshit Rana
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Tanush Kotian
Conclusion: Shami’s Setback and Kotian’s Big Opportunity
The BCCI’s confirmation of Mohammed Shami‘s knee injury highlights a challenging phase in the pacer’s career, with his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy uncertain. Meanwhile, Tanush Kotian’s inclusion in the squad marks an exciting opportunity for the 26-year-old, who is now set to step into the void left by Ravichandran Ashwin. With his impressive all-round skills and strong domestic record, Kotian will hope to make an impact and contribute to India’s quest for success in the final two Tests of the series against Australia.
For more updates on Shami’s injury and Kotian’s role in the squad, stay tuned to the latest news from the BCCI.[13]
The BCCI’s decision to include Tanush Kotian in the squad for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches against Australia highlights the board’s confidence in the 26-year-old’s potential. While Axar Patel was initially expected to be the replacement, Kotian’s all-round skills, strong domestic performances, and experience with India A made him the ideal choice. His selection serves as a reminder of the depth and talent available within Indian cricket, ensuring the team remains competitive in international cricket even as legends like Ashwin bid farewell.
Kotian’s rise as an all-rounder has made him a valuable asset to Indian cricket, and his inclusion in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a testament to his hard work and consistency on the domestic circuit. His journey from domestic cricket to the international stage will be closely watched as he seeks to carry forward the legacy of the great spinners who have come before him.
FAQs
1. Why is Mohammed Shami not playing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25?
Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to swelling in his left knee. This issue arose after an increase in his bowling workload following his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. The BCCI Medical Team has advised that he needs more time to recover and will not be considered for the remaining two Tests of the series.
2. What injury is Mohammed Shami dealing with?
Shami is dealing with swelling in his left knee, which is a result of increased bowling loads following his recovery from a right heel injury. This knee issue has prevented him from being fit for the remaining Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
3. When did Mohammed Shami return to action after his injury?
Shami returned to action in November 2023 during the Ranji Trophy, where he took 7 wickets in two innings. He also played in all nine matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), performing decently throughout.
4. Is Mohammed Shami fit to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024?
Shami’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee recovery. The BCCI Medical Team will continue to monitor his condition and make a decision based on his fitness.
5.Shami’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee recovery. The BCCI Medical Team will continue to monitor his condition and make a decision based on his fitness.
Tanush Kotian, the Mumbai off-spinner, has been named as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement for the remaining two Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Kotian was added to the squad after Ashwin’s surprise retirement from international cricket.
6. What are Tanush Kotian’s cricket credentials?
Tanush Kotian has played 33 first-class matches, taking 101 wickets at an average of 25.70. He has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring over 1,500 runs, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. Kotian was named Player of the Tournament in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy after helping Mumbai secure the title.
7. Has Tanush Kotian played international cricket before?
No, Tanush Kotian has not yet made his debut in international cricket. However, he has previously toured Australia with India A, where he showcased his skills, including an impressive 44-run knock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
8. What is the current status of Mohammed Shami’s recovery?
While Shami has fully recovered from his Achilles tendon injury, the swelling in his left knee requires controlled exposure to bowling loads. The BCCI Medical Team will continue his rehabilitation to ensure he is fit for future series, but he is not available for the remaining Tests against Australia.
9. What will happen to Shami’s career moving forward?
Shami’s career is not in immediate jeopardy, but his future involvement in international matches will depend on how quickly he recovers from his knee issue. He is continuing his strength and conditioning work under the supervision of the BCCI medical team, with a focus on gradual improvement.
10. Who is in India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
India’s squad for the final two Tests includes:
Rohit Sharma (C)
Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
KL Rahul
Rishabh Pant (WK)
Sarfaraz Khan
Dhruv Jurel (WK)
Ravindra Jadeja
Mohammed Siraj
Akash Deep
Prasidh Krishna
Harshit Rana
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Washington Sundar
Devdutt Padikkal
Tanush Kotian
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