Who is Tanush Kotian? R Ashwin’s replacement for India vs Australia series | Cricket News – Times of India

All-rounder Tanush Kotian is poised to join the Indian cricket team in Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test. The 26-year-old has been instructed to prepare for a Tuesday departure to Australia, though official confirmation is pending.
Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian is a potential replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian squad. Kotian, an off-spinner and right-handed batsman, recently toured Australia with the India A team prior to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Kotian holds cherished memories of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he impressed with a resilient knock of 44 runs while batting at No. 8 for India A, showcasing his potential on the big stage.
Kotian is currently participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with Mumbai in Ahmedabad.
He is highly regarded as a top off-spinning all-rounder in India’s domestic cricket circuit.
Kotian’s performance in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. He contributed significantly to Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji title, taking 29 wickets at an average of 16.96 and scoring 502 runs at an average of 41.83, including five half-centuries and a century.
Kotian’s selection marks a significant milestone as he is the first Mumbai spinner to be chosen for the Indian national team since former off-spinner Ramesh Powar.
He made his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 season, scoring 24 runs in a single match. He did not get a chance to bowl in the IPL. Kotian went unsold in the IPL mega auction leading up to the 2025 season.
Kotian’s first-class cricket statistics showcase his all-round abilities.
In 33 first-class matches, he has amassed 2523 runs at an average of 41.21. He has also claimed 101 wickets at a bowling average of 25.70. His consistent performance in domestic cricket has propelled him into contention for a spot in the national team.
The potential inclusion of Kotian in the Indian squad for the Boxing Day Test highlights his growing prominence in the Indian cricketing landscape.