Rohit Sharma reveals why Tanush Kotian was picked as Ashwin's replacement due to visa issues faced by Kuldeep Yadav

With Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket during the series, India found themselves lacking a spinner heading into the upcoming fourth and fifth Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney. As a result, Kotian was promptly called up to join the squad. The Mumbaikar, currently busy with the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is expected to join the team on Tuesday to bolster India's bowling lineup.

A day after the announcement, Rohit, speaking to the media, joked that Kotian was only picked because Kuldeep did not have a visa. However, on a serious note, he was all praise for the Mumbai all-rounder, who was also part of the ‘A’ tour in Australia ahead of the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he scored 44 runs anbd picked up a wicket in his only appearance.

“Tanush was here a month back and Kuldeep doesn't have a visa. We needed someone to get here as quickly as possible. Tanush was ready and played well here. But jokes apart, he has been doing well over the last two years and we wanted a back-up in case we play two spinners in Sydney or Melbourne," he said.

Overall, the 26-year-old played 33 first-class games, where he snared 101 wickets at 25.70. He also scored 1525 runs in 47 innings, at 41.21 with two centuries and 13 fifties.

‘Kuldeep is injured, Axar had a baby’

Rohit further revealed why Kuldeep or Axar was not considered as Ashwin's replacement. The chinaman underwent a hernia surgery recently, while Axar was unavailable as he became a father recently.

“Kuldeep is not 100 per cent fit as he went through a hernia surgery. Axar recently had a baby so was not going to travel. Hence, Tanush was the best option for us and he was probably one of the reasons why Mumbai went on to win the Ranji trophy last season,” he said.

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