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

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.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma reveals why Tanush Kotian was preferred over Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel

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: Uncapped All-rounder to replace Ashwin in the Indian Squad ahead of Boxing Day Test- Reports