"Keep knocking, and that door to the national team will open soon enough!" - Fans react to Abhimanyu Easwaran's 151 off 212 balls in 2024 Irani Cup
Abhimanyu Easwaran starred with the bat for the Rest of India against Mumbai on Day 3 of the ongoing Irani Cup at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow (Thursday, October 3). The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 151 runs off 212 balls, a knock laced with one six and 12 boundaries. This was Easwaran’s third consecutive century in the red-ball format after back-to-back tons for India B in the recently concluded 2024 Duleep Trophy.
Easwaran has an exceptional first-class record, scoring 7466 runs in 98 matches, with the help of 26 centuries and 29 fifties. The Bengal-batter, however, is yet to make his Test debut.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) asked the national selectors to give Easwaran a chance on the national team. One user wrote:
"Impressive milestone for Abhimanyu Easwaran! Keep knocking, and that door to the national team will open soon enough!"
Another user wrote:
"If banging the Selectors door has face. Uncomplicated technic, tight defense, old school red ball batter. A rare sight these days. Abhimanyu Easwaran. Should have played ahead of Surya, Rajat and Paddikkal."
A third user added:
"Abhimanyu Easwaran has notched up his 26th First-Class century, further strengthening his case for national selection. His consistent performances and ability to deliver in crucial moments are a testament to his skill and determination. With each milestone, Easwaran continues to knock hard on the doors for a spot in the Indian cricket team, proving his readiness for the big stage."
Here are a few more reactions:
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s century helps Rest of India fightback against Mumbai in Irani Cup
A 150-plus knock from Abhimanyu Easwaran helped the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side fightback against Mumbai in the Irani Cup.
At stumps on Day 3, the Rest of India were 289/4, with Easwaran (151 off 212) and Dhruv Jurel (30 off 41) at the crease. Ishan Kishan and Sai Sudharsan also chipped in with 38 (60) and 32 (79), respectively. Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal failed to deliver, departing cheaply for 16 (31) and 9 (27), respectively. Mohit Avasthi has been the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai, picking up two wickets so far.
Batting first, Mumbai posted 537 in their first innings. Sarfaraz Khan stayed unbeaten on 222 off 286 deliveries, hitting four sixes and 25 boundaries. Captain Ajinkya Rahane also chipped in with 97 off 234, including one maximum and seven boundaries. Shreyas Iyer and Tanush Kotian also chipped in with half-centuries apiece.
Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball, picking up five wickets, while Yash Dayal and Prasidh Krishna bagged two wickets apiece. Saransh Jaina also settled for one wicket.
Follow the 2024 Irani Cup live score and updates here.