Tanush Kotian has reportedly joined the Indian squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin. After the third Test of the ongoing series, veteran Indian all-rounder Ashwin decided to hang up his boots, announcing retirement from all three formats.
It will be extremely difficult for India to find a long-term replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in Test cricket. Ashwin was not just a reliable off-spinner but also a handy option with the willow. Tanush Kotian has proven himself in domestic cricket, but here are three other players India could have picked as Ashwin’s replacement for BGT 2024-25 instead of Kotian.
1. Yuzvendra Chahal should have been on the flight to Australia instead of Tanush Kotian
The conditions in Australia do not favor the spinners much. It would have been a great move had India drafted leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal into the squad because of the experience he has. Chahal is a proven match-winner in international matches.
Plus, a leg-spinner always has more chances of taking wickets than a finger spinner. Chahal also had a fantastic stint in county cricket earlier this year.
2. Ishan Kishan
India had a great opportunity to name a batter as a replacement for Ashwin because Washington Sundar is already present with the squad to replace Ashwin. Someone like Ishan Kishan, who has been a solid option in the batting department, could have fit into the squad.
3. Axar Patel
Axar Patel was the game-changer for India when they hosted Australia for a Border-Gavaskar Test series in 2023 at home. It was surprising to see Patel’s name absent from the Test squad. An experienced campaigner like Patel could have been a much better option to replace Ashwin instead of Tanush.
