Another first-class match and Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran showcases his worth. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy clash between Uttar Pradesh vs Bengal, Eashwaran has slammed a fine century to make his case for Team India squad selection ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Furthermore, the Bengal opener has also given a perfect response to his snub in the IND vs NZ Test series.
Easwaran made up for his poor knock of 5 runs in the first innings. But he made it up with a brilliant hundred in the opening session of Day 4 of the first round of Ranji trophy. This was Abhimanyu Easwaran’s fourth consecutive ton in first-class cricket. He slammed back-to-back tons in the second and third games of the Duleep Trophy. Then he followed it with another hundred in the Irani Cup and now in the Ranji Trophy.
Easwaran keen to make IND vs AUS Test squad
He now averages 160 in his last 8 innings, and 133.86 in his last 10 innings. Eashwaran was snubbed in the upcoming IND vs NZ Test series where the India Cricket Team decided to field only 2 openers – Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. But now with his rich vein of form, he makes a great case ahead of Ruturaj Gaikwad for team India squad for the IND vs AUS Test series.
Reports claim that he is likely to be selected as a backup opener for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Furthermore, he will also be a part of India A and will shadow tour Australia. But his majestic form in domestic cricket now makes case for his selection in the team.
Abhimanyu Easwaran Stats in First Class cricket in recent matches
| Match | Bat | Date | Ground | Tournament |
| Uttar Pradesh vs Bengal | 5 & 127* | 14-Oct-2024 | Lucknow | Ranji Trophy |
| Rest of Ind vs Mumbai | 191 | 01-Oct-2024 | Lucknow | Irani Cup |
| India B vs India D | 116 & 19 | 19-Sep-2024 | Anantapur | Duleep Trophy |
| India B vs India C | 157* | 12-Sep-2024 | Anantapur | Duleep Trophy |
| India B vs India A | 13 & 4 | 05-Sep-2024 | Bengaluru | Duleep Trophy |
| Bengal vs Bihar | 200* | 16-Feb-2024 | Eden Gardens | Ranji Trophy |
No opener backup in IND vs NZ Tests
Apart from Rohit Shamra and Yashasvi Jaiswal, there are no opening options in the team. While Shubman Gill is also an opener, he now plays at number 3 in red ball cricket. So as a backup option, Easwaran fits the bill as the safest and the best option that India can have while traveling to Australia. And with Ruturaj Gaikwad not having the best of form, the strong statement from Eashwaran greatly strengthens his case.
