IND vs AUS, BGT 2024-25: Mumbai's Tanush Kotian to join Indian team ahead of Boxing Day Test in Melbourne - Report

The Indian team management has reportedly called Tanush Kotian to join the senior team in Australia for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), according to reports. Although the the BCCI is yet to issue a press release on the development, the news on Kotian's call-up comes just a week after Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement.

Based on a Sportstar report, Kotian, who has been one of the best off-spinners off late, will leave for Australia on Tuesday. The 26-year-old, who bowls off-spin and is a right-handed batter, was with the Mumbai team in Ahmedabad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Kotian was a part of the India A team that toured Australia ahead of the BGT. Kotian has played a crucial role in Mumbai's stellar run this season, delivering with the ball, especially with his ability to deliver under pressure. He was a part of the Mumbai team that won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy recently, Ranji Trophy 2023-24 and the Irani Trophy.

So far, Kotian has played 33 first-class games, picking up 101 wickets at an average of averaging 25.70 and also scored 1525 runs. In fact, in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24, Kotian was adjudged as the Player of the Tournament for his 502 runs and 29 wickets in 10 matches.

Originally, Axar Patel was supposed to be summoned to Australia but as per sources, the left arm spinner had sought a break after first two matches of Vijay Hazare Trophy due to a family commitment.

Kotian picked two wickets and scored an unbeaten 39 for Mumbai in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Hyderabad on Monday. Kotian has fond memories of the Melbourne Cricket Ground where he scored 44 batting at No. 8 for India A and looked the part.

However, Kotian's addition to the Indian team comes as a safety net and to keep the squad number intact, news agency PTI quoted a BCCI official on conditions of anonymity. Kotian will come into play if either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar gets injured.