Tanush Kotian to Join India Squad as Shami Declared Unfit for Selection
Mumbai’s offspinning all-rounder, Tanush Kotian, is set to join the Indian men’s team in Australia for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This decision follows Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement announcement at the end of the third Test in Brisbane. Kotian, 26, is currently playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with Mumbai but will travel to Melbourne ahead of the third Test. He is expected to fly back to Mumbai from Ahmedabad and then head to Melbourne on Tuesday. Having recently been part of the India A squad in Australia, there are no expected visa issues for him.
Kotian has an impressive record in first-class cricket, having played 33 matches, scored 1525 runs at an average of 41.21, and taken 101 wickets at 25.70. He was named Player of the Tournament in Mumbai’s successful 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign, where he scored 502 runs at 41.83 and took 29 wickets at a remarkable 16.96.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami’s return to the national squad has been delayed after the BCCI Medical Team declared him unfit for selection for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite Shami’s return to competitive cricket, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) did not clear him for selection.
The BCCI confirmed that Shami is dealing with minor swelling in his left knee, a result of the heavy bowling workload since his return from a long injury break. While the swelling is a typical outcome, it means Shami is not yet ready for top-level action.
Shami’s recovery began with Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in November, where he bowled 43 overs without discomfort. He also played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The BCCI Medical Team has been closely monitoring his progress for a potential Test call-up, but this recent setback means he will need more time to complete his rehabilitation.
Shami was also rested for Bengal’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match as a precaution, and his participation in the tournament will depend on his rehab progress. The BCCI has assured that Shami’s workload will be gradually increased as he works towards making a full recovery.
