This Mumbai spinner replaces Ravichandran Ashwin in Team India ahead of fourth Test against Australia

Tanush Kotian (Pic: File Pic)

Mumbai-based spinner Tanush Kotian has received the maiden call-up for Team India ahead of the fourth Test match against Australia. The fourth match between India and Australia is set to kick start on December December 26 from 5.00 AM.

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Tanush Kotian has been picked as a potential replacement for Team India spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran recently made the announcement of retiring from international cricket.

Representing Mumbai, Tanush Kotian impressed in the 2024 edition of the Ranji Trophy. Having played 33 first-class matches, the spinner has already claimed 101 wickets. In List A cricket, Tanush has made 20 appearances so far, with 20 wickets under his belt.

With the ability to turn the ball, Tanush Kotian is also handy with the willow. Featuring in 33 first-class games, the right-hander has garnered 1,525 runs with the best score of unbeaten 120 runs. He also has two centuries and 13 half-centuries to his name. In 20 List A matches, Kotian accumulated 90 runs.

The five-match Test series between India and Australia is currently levelled at 1-1. With the third Test match already ended in a tie, the fourth match is scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26.

Ahead of the fourth Test, Team India will hope for skipper Rohit Sharma's recovery. He was hit on his left knee during the practice session at the MCG. Rohit coming in to bat down the order has not been very fruitful following which the question arises if he should retain his opening slot.

But KL Rahul who is currently owning the top spot is having a decent run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will try to bring their A game in the Melbourne Test.