India vs Australia: Why Tanush Kotian Is Chosen Over Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel?

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Mumbai off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotia was named the replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian squad following the veteran spinner's retirement after the Brisbane Test.

BCCI made an official announcement and Tanush Kotian was already informed to prepare for the journey to Australia. The decision has sparked curiosity about why Kotian was preferred over other prominent spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

The choice of Tanush Kotian, who recently toured Australia with the India A team, appears strategic. He has experience playing on Australian pitches, including a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the second unofficial Test. With Washington Sundar currently the only off-spinner in the squad, Kotian's inclusion ensures additional off-spin options, both for team balance and to provide valuable net practice for Indian batters ahead of spin-heavy encounters.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are unavailable

Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist-spinner, has been unavailable due to ongoing recovery following surgery. While his unique skillset would have offered variety to the spin attack, his fitness issues ruled him out of contention. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, a left-arm orthodox spinner, was initially considered for selection but requested a break after participating in the first two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to personal commitments.

Axar's record highlights another reason for his exclusion. While he has been a dominant performer on Indian soil, his effectiveness diminishes in overseas conditions, making him a less attractive option for a Test series Down Under. This limitation likely influenced the selectors' decision to look beyond him, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon and the focus shifting to fine-tuning the squad for varied conditions. Meanwhile on Tuesday, Rohit Sharma gave further clarification on the matter.

"Yeah, Tanush was here a month back (for the Australia A) series. And Kuldeep (Yadav), I do not think, has a visa (laughs). And we wanted somebody to get here as quickly as possible. Tanush was the one who was ready and he played here," Rohit said in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"Not that Tanush is not good enough. He has shown in the last two years what he has done in domestic cricket. And we really wanted just a backup in case, you know, we need two spinners playing here or in Sydney, you need a backup option."

"Kuldeep, obviously, is not 100 percent fit. He recently went through a hernia surgery. And the other options, like Axar, he had a baby, so he is not going to travel. So Tanush was the right option for us at this point. And he has certainly shown in the domestic level what he is capable of."

The MCG's seam-friendly surface might limit the role of spinners in the Boxing Day Test. However, with Sydney traditionally aiding spinners, Tanush Kotian's presence could be vital. His dual ability to contribute with the ball and bat strengthens India's lower-order, a key consideration in Ashwin's absence.