3 reasons why Abhimanyu Easwaran should be India's first choice to replace Rohit Sharma in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test
Following a 0-3 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in home conditions, India has a lot at stake in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy slated to kick off on November 22 in Perth.
Not only do they need to win the series but also hope other results go in their favor in order to book a place in the ICC World Test Championship final. India’s regular skipper Rohit Sharma will reportedly miss the first Test in Perth, which puts the team management in a tricky situation.
While the selection committee picked Abhimanyu Easwaran as the backup opener for the Test series, the stylish Bengal batter looked all at sea against Australia A in the two unofficial Tests.
Easwaran was the vice-captain of India A in the two-match series, which they lost 0-2. India already has a few selection headaches ahead of the opening Test but Easwaran’s poor form in the four innings against Australia A could push him back in the pecking order.
However, there are no two ways about the fact that Easwaran has earned his place in the Indian side. Thus, he shouldn't be ignored just based on four innings, especially when the majority of the top order had failed to score runs.
Here are three reasons why Abhimanyu Easwaran should still remain India’s first-choice opener to replace Rohit Sharma in the opening Test in Perth.
#1 Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a prolific run scorer in the domestic circuit
One of the most prolific run scorers in the domestic circuit, Abhimanyu Easwaran has earned his place in the Indian side. He has performed in different pitches on offer during several domestic competitions and tends to bat for long hours.
Having made his first-class debut for Bengal against Andhra Pradesh way back in 2013, Easwaran might finally get a chance to represent India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He has scored 7674 runs in 101 first-class matches so far at an average of 48.87, including 27 centuries and 29 fifties.
Given his consistency in the domestic circuit, Easwaran should be picked as the first-choice replacement for Rohit Sharma in the opening Test. The opening Test will be played from 22-26 November at the Optus Stadium.
#2 Easwaran tends to bat long which is very important in Australian conditions
The four low scores notwithstanding, Easwaran is still a class act and will look to grab his chances with both hands if he does secure a place in the playing XI of the opening Test.
He looked a bit jittery against Australia A but given his numbers at the domestic level, he is someone who loves batting for long hours. The pace and bounce in Australia will be different to what Easwaran gets in India.
However, the ability to get himself in and then grind through tough situations will stand him in good stead. Easwaran scored two exceptional centuries in the Duleep Trophy followed by another brilliant ton in the Irani Cup against some top-quality bowlers and should be given a chance if Rohit Sharma misses out on the opening Test.
#3 Easwaran won't carry the baggage of a series whitewash at home
Suffering a 0-3 series whitewash for the first time at home will hurt the Indian players, especially those who were part of the squad against New Zealand. Ravichandran Ashwin after the series loss said it took at least two three days for him to come to terms with the morale-shattering loss.
Easwaran will be free of all these pressures and will look to stamp his authority in the national team as a newcomer. He had a string of low scores in challenging conditions against Australia A but that shouldn't deter him from making his presence felt if given an opportunity in the playing XI.