For R Ashwin's Replacement In Australia, BCCI Wanted This Spinner But Could Not Get Him. Here's Why

Tanush Kotian was on Monday added to India's squad for the remaining two Tests in Australia as a replacement for the recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin

Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian was on Monday added to India's squad for the remaining two Tests in Australia as a replacement for the recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin. "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," the BCCI said in a statement. The 26-year-old Kotian, who was part of India A's tour of Australia, has also been added as a cover for Washington Sundar.

"Kotian has been added as a safety net and to keep the squad number intact for the last two games. He only comes into the picture if either among Washy or Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) gets injured," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Kotian, who is currently in Ahmedabad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is expected to leave Mumbai on Tuesday and will reach Melbourne before the start of the Boxing Day Test. The bowling all-rounder 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. Kotian has played 33 first-class matches, taking 101 wickets at an average of 25.70.