Mumbai spinner Tanush Kotian replaces R. Ashwin for final two Test matches vs Australia: Reports

According to reports carried by Sportstar, it has come to light that Tanush Kotian is set to fly to Australia for the final 2 Test matches. The decisions comes after the abrupt retirement of R. Ashwin at the end of the Brisbane Test match. Kotian was a part of India A side that had played two games against Australia A. 

Kotian shot to fame with his amazing performances for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy format. His exploits with the bat and ball had helped Ajinkya Rahane led side to win the title by beating Vidarbha in the final. In fact Ashwin and Kotian shared the dressing room during IPL 2024 season for Rajasthan Royals. 

The move is keeping in mind the surfaces that India could face during the final two Tests against Australia. The tracks in Melbourne and Sydney are known to aid the spinners during the back end of the game. Sydney tends to turn a lot and with the turn and bounce Kotian gets he could prove to be a handful. 

Apart from his bowling talents, Kotian is also more than useful with the bat. The 26-year-old has played 33 first class games and picked 101 wickets with 3 fifers. Kotian has also scored 1525 runs with an average of 41 and hit 2 centuries. The young spinner was part of India A tour of Australia and did well with the ball. 

Sri Lankan legend backs Washington Sundar to replace Ashwin 

Rangana Herath during his chat with Sportstar said that Washington Sundar will step up and fill the void left by Ashwin. The 25-year-old played the opening Test in Perth before being rested for the next two matches. 

Herath said, “He is such a clever guy and a very smart bowler, I would like to congratulate him and wish him for his future. I thought Washington (Sundar) bowled brilliantly in the series against New Zealand and he played the first game in Perth here as well.”

The former Lankan ace also added, “He has a long way to go. He can bat as well, and after Ashwin, I think Washington will do most of the work. And Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is completely different. He tends to go a bit faster and is a bit of a back of a length as well. He keeps the batters under pressure and takes wickets.”