Tanush Kotian Called Up to Indian Test Squad as Ashwin Announces Retirement; Shami’s Return Delayed Due to Injury

Melbourne, Australia: In a significant development during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Mumbai’s proficient off-spinning all-rounder, Tanush Kotian, has been summoned to join the Indian national team. This call-up follows the unexpected retirement announcement of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at the conclusion of the third Test match in Brisbane.

The 26-year-old Tanush Kotian, currently engaged with the Mumbai team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic tournament, is anticipated to integrate with the national squad in Melbourne prior to the commencement of the crucial third Test. Kotian’s current location in Ahmedabad necessitates a brief return to Mumbai before embarking on his flight to Melbourne scheduled for Tuesday. A prior tour of Australia with the India A side significantly mitigates any potential visa complications, facilitating a swift integration into the national setup.

Tanush Kotian’s first-class record showcases promising all-round talent. In 33 first-class appearances, he has accumulated 1525 runs at a commendable average of 41.21, complemented by 101 wickets at an impressive average of 25.70. His contributions were particularly noteworthy during Mumbai’s triumphant Ranji Trophy campaign in the 2023-24 season, where he earned the prestigious Player of the Tournament award. In that campaign, he amassed 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and secured 29 wickets at a striking average of 16.96, demonstrating his proficiency with both bat and ball. His consistent performances in the domestic circuit have now earned him a coveted opportunity to represent his country at the highest level of Test cricket.

Concurrently, the anticipated return of experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami to the national side has been postponed due to a recent injury setback. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Medical Staff has declared Shami unfit for selection for the remaining two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This announcement confirms earlier reports indicating that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) had not yet cleared Shami for competitive play despite his return to action in domestic cricket.

A BCCI media release issued on Monday detailed that Shami has experienced minor swelling in his left knee as a consequence of the bowling workload he has undertaken since recovering from a previous extended period of absence. While the swelling is considered a foreseeable outcome of his rehabilitation process, it nonetheless signifies that Shami is not yet fully prepared to compete at the demanding level of international cricket.

The 34-year-old Shami’s recovery journey began with his participation in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November. He bowled extensively, delivering 43 overs in the match without exhibiting any apparent discomfort. Subsequently, he participated in all of Bengal’s matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Twenty20 tournament. Throughout this period, the BCCI Medical Team maintained close contact with Shami, meticulously monitoring his progress with the aim of a potential inclusion in the Test squad for the Australian tour. However, the recent development of knee swelling necessitates a further period of rehabilitation.

As a precautionary measure, Shami was rested for Bengal’s opening fixture in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His continued participation in the tournament will be contingent upon the progress of his ongoing rehabilitation. The BCCI Medical Team has emphasized a strategy of gradually increasing Shami’s workload as he continues his preparations for a return to competitive cricket at the earliest safe opportunity. The dual developments of Kotian’s call-up and Shami’s delayed return add further intrigue to the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.