Team India’s upcoming tour to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy might see a big change in the playing XI. As reports suggest, captain Rohit Sharma could miss the first or second Test match due to important personal reasons. This has raised questions about who might step in for Rohit as the opener in the crucial five-match Test series. Among the players under consideration is Bengal’s prolific batsman, Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been knocking on the doors of Team India for quite some time.
Easwaran’s Potential as a Backup Opener
If Rohit Sharma is unavailable, India will need a solid backup opener to pair with the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are also contenders for the opening slot, the team might opt for an additional opener as a precautionary measure. According to reports, Abhimanyu Easwaran could be a prime candidate for this role.
Interestingly, Easwaran might already be in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar series as India A and Australia A are set to face off ahead of the senior team’s Test series. Easwaran, who could lead India A in these matches, may thus be perfectly positioned to step into the senior squad if the need arises.
Long-Awaited Opportunity for Easwaran
At 29, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been part of India’s Test squad on two occasions, but the talented opener is yet to make his debut. While both Gill and Rahul have experience opening in Test matches in Australia, Easwaran’s recent performances and consistency make him a strong contender for his long-awaited debut.
Easwaran’s name has been discussed for a while, with fans and cricket pundits urging the selection committee to give him a chance. With Rohit’s possible absence, this could finally be the opportunity that the Bengal batsman has been waiting for. However, the final call will rest on the team management and selectors.
Impressive Domestic and India A Record
Easwaran’s career statistics back up the growing calls for his inclusion in the national team. With 7,506 runs in 98 first-class matches at an average of 49, including 26 centuries and 29 half-centuries, Easwaran has been one of the most consistent performers in India’s domestic circuit. His success with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and impressive performances for India A have further strengthened his case.
In recent months, Easwaran’s form has been particularly eye-catching. He smashed 191 runs against Mumbai in the Irani Cup last week and has been performing consistently in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, where he scored 157* and 116 in back-to-back matches for India B. His solid track record shows that he is more than ready to handle the pressure of international cricket, and if he continues this form in the Ranji Trophy starting on October 11, his inclusion could become inevitable.
Final Chance to Seal the Spot?
With India A set to compete against Australia A just before the senior series, Easwaran has a golden opportunity to prove himself on Australian soil. Strong performances in these matches could help him make a compelling case for his Test debut.
All eyes will now be on whether Abhimanyu Easwaran finally gets his long-awaited chance to wear the Indian cap and whether he can continue his excellent form on the challenging pitches in Australia.
