As Team India gears up for a challenging tour of Australia in November, they may have to navigate the series without their captain, Rohit Sharma. Reports suggest that Rohit might miss one or two matches of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which consists of five test matches. This opens the door for a talented player who has been in the spotlight lately: Bengal cricketer Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Potential Role for Easwaran
The absence of Rohit Sharma raises a significant question: who will step in as the opening batsman? For the past year, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal have formed a formidable partnership at the top of the order. If Rohit is unavailable, the selection committee may consider including an additional opener in the squad. According to reports, Easwaran is likely to be favored as a backup opener. Interestingly, Easwaran may already be in Australia during this period, as he is expected to lead the India A team in their upcoming matches against Australia A, providing him with valuable experience ahead of the Tests.
Previous Opportunities and Current Form
Despite being selected for the national squad on two previous occasions, the 29-year-old Easwaran has yet to make his Test debut. The cricketing community is keen to see if this will finally change during the Australia series. However, even if selected, questions arise about his place in the playing eleven. India boasts strong candidates for the opening role, including Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, both of whom have substantial experience in Test cricket and have previously excelled in Australian conditions.
Easwaran’s Impressive Stats
Easwaran’s domestic performance has been nothing short of remarkable. With a staggering 7506 runs in 98 first-class matches and an impressive average of 49, he has compiled 26 centuries and 29 half-centuries. His recent performances in the Ranji Trophy and for India A have further solidified his case for selection. Notably, Easwaran scored a remarkable 191 runs against Mumbai in the Irani Cup and followed it up with scores of 157 not out and 116 in consecutive matches during the Duleep Trophy for India B. If he maintains this form in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, starting on October 11, and excels in the India A series in Australia, the chance for his debut could finally become a reality.
Conclusion
The prospect of Abhimanyu Easwaran making his Test debut in Australia presents an exciting narrative for Indian cricket. As he continues to build on his strong domestic performance, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely. With the potential absence of Rohit Sharma, Easwaran finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career—one that could lead to significant opportunities on the international stage. Whether he is given the chance to showcase his talent in the Test arena remains to be seen, but the cricketing world is certainly hopeful for his breakthrough.
