The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday (23rd December) announced the replacement of Ravichandran Ashwin for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian has been added to the team for the last two games of the series. 
This comes after Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement midway in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. His decision came following the conclusion of the third Test against Australia, which took place at the Gabba in Brisbane and ended in a draw due to the continuous rains over five days. 
With Ravichandran Ashwin leaving the squad midway, BCCI has added Tanush Kotian to the squad. The all-rounder has been rewarded for his terrific performances with the bat and ball in the domestic circuit for Mumbai, helping the team win the Ranji Trophy last year. 
Tanush Kotian has been one of the best spinners in the Indian domestic circuit. The all-rounder has taken 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 in the 33 first-class matches to go with three five-wicket hauls. What has been impressive is his ability to run through the batting lineups. 
Tanush Kotian played a massive role behind Mumbai's title in Ranji Trophy 2023. He scored 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and also picked 29 wickets at an average of 16.96. This also saw him winning the Player of the Tournament in the last edition. 
Releasing the official statement, BCCI stated: "The Men’s Selection Committee has named all-rounder Tanush Kotian as an addition to India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy." 
Tanush Kotian has a decent amount of experience of Australian conditions. The all-rounder was part of the India A squad and participated in the second first-class game against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 
<h2>India's updated squad for the fourth and fifth Tests</h2>
Here's India's updated squad for the fourth and fifth Tests:  
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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tanush Kotian
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-uae-or-colombo-india-venue-finalised-for-ct-/">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: UAE or Colombo? India venue finalised for CT</a>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday (23rd December) announced the replacement of Ravichandran Ashwin for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

BCCI announces replacement of Ravichandran Ashwin for last two games of BGT 2024-25

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IND vs AUS:On December 23, Monday, India made a surprising move as they named the 26-year-old uncapped all-rounder from Mumbai, Tanush Kotian, as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad. Ashwin announced a sudden international retirement after the end of the third test match at the Gabba. That left India with one player short.
On Monday, the BCCI confirmed that Kotian is all set to fly to Melbourne to join the Indian team ahead of the upcoming Boxing Day Test match. With the series levelled at 1-1, India and Australia are all set to face each other in the fourth test, which will begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
It was a surprise inclusion for many, as India had other proven options like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who were not named in the first-choice squad for various reasons. But India backed the uncapped all-rounder, which raised a number of questions on his selection. India could have given more experienced bowlers a chance.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma reveals why Tanush Kotian was preferred over Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel</h2>
India used all three spinners in the first three games. Washington Sundar played the first test in Perth while Ravichandran Ashwin was picked for the second test in Adelaide, and Ravindra Jadeja played the Gabba test. Though it might be difficult for Kotian to get a game, Rohit Sharma revealed why he was given more preference than other experienced spinners.
In the pre-match press conference, Rohit revealed the reason for Kotian's inclusion and also shed light on the availability of Axar and Kuleep. He said, “Tanush Kotian played here in Australia a month back. Kuldeep, I don't think he has a visa, and he is not 100% fit. Axar had a baby recently. Tanush is ready; we really want a backup in case we need two spinners here or Sydney. Tanush has shown what he's capable of."
The 26-year-old has played all three formats in the Indian domestic sector and is a regular member of the Mumbai team. He has a pretty handy first-class record as well with bat and ball. He has 101 wickets in 33 FC games and scored 1525 runs at an average of 41.21.
In the recent Ranji Trophy, he featured in ten matches and scored 502 runs at an average of 41.83. With the ball, he took 29 wickets at an excellent average of 16.91. He is expected to travel to Melbourne on Tuesday. Meanwhile, India need to win the remaining two games to make it to the final of the World Test Championship. If they lose even one game, it will be difficult for them to bounce back.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/uncapped-all-rounder-to-replace-ashwin-in-the-indian-squad-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncapped All-rounder to replace Ashwin in the Indian Squad ahead of Boxing Day Test- Reports</a>

Tanush Kotian got his maiden call for India. He is picked for the remaining two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, replacing Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket.

Tanush Kotian over Kuldeep or Axar? Rohit Sharma makes a big revelation why India picked an uncapped spinner ahead of Boxing Day Test

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Ajinkya Rahane got injured in the 12th over when he was fielding at the covers.

Ajinkya Rahane ruled out of the IPL 2025 with a finger injury? Reports drop the massive claim

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Indian squad for the Test series against England is all set to be picked by the 2nd week of May.

Rohit Sharma to continue as captain in England Tests, BCCI shortlists 35 players

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Once called their castle, Chennai Super Kings’ home ground at Chepauk has been their weakest limb in this edition of the IPL. In this season, CSK has lost four times at home, and hence, Punjab Kings might also look to join the trend and enjoy their success at this iconic venue. 

IPL 2025 PBKS vs CSK Match Prediction: A big opportunity awaits the Punjab Kings as they take on CSK in their own fortress at Chepauk

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KKR edged out DC by 14 runs in Delhi, thanks to Narine’s brilliance. The win reshuffled the IPL points table and intensified the Orange and Purple Cap battles.

(30 April) TATA IPL Points Table Updated After DC vs KKR! Check IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap Lists

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Kolkata Knight Riders edged past Delhi Capitals in a fiery showdown at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, clinching a 14-run victory in a match filled with twists and nerve-wracking momentum shifts.

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