As India prepares for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia, captain Rohit Sharma faces a significant decision. With a demanding schedule ahead, including a shadow tour by India A, the selection of key players like Abhimanyu Easwaran or Washington Sundar for the senior squad becomes critical. Both players have been in stellar form, but Sharma must choose wisely to bolster India’s chances Down Under.
India A’s shadow Tour: Testing Ground
Ahead of the senior team’s clash with Australia, India A will embark on a shadow tour, providing a crucial opportunity for fringe players to prove their mettle in Australian conditions. The series will feature two unofficial Test matches, starting on October 31 at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, followed by a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7.
India A will also face the senior team in a practice match from November 15 to 17, offering Rohit Sharma’s squad their only warm-up before the Test series opener on November 22 at Optus Stadium.
Ruturaj Gaikwad to Lead India A
Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the India A side, which features notable players like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan, both of whom could serve as backup openers/No.3 for the Test series. With Rohit Sharma possibly missing one of the early Test matches for personal reasons, these young talents may be called upon to fill the gap.
Abhimanyu Easwaran: Consistent Contender
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s journey has been one of patience and resilience. With over 7,600 first-class runs, including 27 centuries, he has consistently delivered strong performances in domestic cricket.
Despite his achievements, Easwaran has yet to earn his Indian cap. Recent standout innings in the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy—featuring scores of 157*, 191, and 127—have reignited the debate over when he will finally make his debut for India.
His ability to handle pressure and accumulate big runs makes him a strong candidate for the third opener’s slot on the Australia tour. Easwaran’s calm demeanour and impressive record could be crucial in Australian conditions, where adaptability and technique are paramount.
Washington Sundar: Versatile Option
On the other hand, Washington Sundar offers a different skill set, combining solid batting with valuable all-round abilities. Sundar recently showcased his potential as a top-order batsman in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 152 runs off 231 balls while batting at number three. His performance against Delhi marked his first first-class century in seven years, and it has raised questions about his suitability as a middle-order option for India.
Washington Sundar has already proven himself in international cricket, having played four Test matches for India, where he scored three half-centuries at an average of 66.25. However, with all-rounders like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel dominating India’s Test squad, Sundar has struggled to secure a consistent place.
India vs Australia: Selection Dilemma
The decision between Abhimanyu Easwaran and Washington Sundar is not an easy one for Rohit Sharma. Easwaran’s ability as a traditional opener contrasts with Sundar’s versatility as a middle-order batsman and all-rounder. Both players are in excellent form, and each brings unique strengths to the table.
For Easwaran, the question remains whether his long-awaited India debut is on the horizon. For Sundar, it is whether his impressive all-round capabilities can earn him a spot in a crowded lineup. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy fast approaching, Rohit Sharma must weigh these factors carefully as he looks to field the strongest possible team for Australia.
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