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Abhimanyu Easwaran should be a strong contender to replace Rohit Sharma for the first two Tests in Australia, especially given his consistency in domestic cricket. Easwaran’s track record, particularly in the Ranji Trophy where he has piled up runs season after season, speaks volumes about his ability to handle pressure and play a long innings—a critical requirement for success in Test cricket, especially on challenging Australian pitches.
Easwaran’s technique, temperament, and hunger for runs have been evident for Bengal in the domestic circuit. He’s been one of the standout performers in India’s first-class structure, which makes him a deserving candidate to step onto the big stage in Australia. While he may not have yet made his Test debut, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his readiness for international cricket. In Australia’s pace-friendly conditions, where patience and solid technique are key, Easwaran’s disciplined approach and ability to build an innings might work to India’s advantage.
If he gets the nod to replace Rohit, it would also be a testament to the selectors’ faith in promoting performers from the domestic system, rewarding Easwaran’s years of consistent efforts. Easwaran’s domestic record indeed makes a compelling statement. With 27 centuries, over 6,600 runs, and 29 half-centuries at an average close to 50 from 99 first-class matches, he has demonstrated not only his ability to score big but also his consistency over a long period. This consistency and simplicity in his approach are what truly sets him apart from many others who have vied for a spot in the Indian Test side.
Easwaran’s peak form, combined with his experience and maturity, suggests that he is more than ready for the challenges of international cricket. His composed and methodical approach could make him the perfect foil to someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is more aggressive at the top. The left-right combination of Jaiswal and Easwaran could also unsettle Australian bowlers. who knows?
In a nutshell, Easwaran has done everything that could be asked of a player aspiring to break into the national Test team—consistent performances, piling up runs, and proving his mettle in domestic cricket over a long period. The selectors ignoring him at this stage, especially when India needs an opener in Rohit’s absence, could indeed raise questions about the fairness of the selection process. If someone like Easwaran is continually overlooked, it does challenge the belief that consistent domestic performances are rewarded.
The example of Debang Gandhi traveling with the Indian team to Australia back in 1999 is a reminder that selectors have historically given opportunities to batters who have shown lesser potential, but Easwaran’s case is even stronger—he has already been part of the Indian Test squad during the 2021 England series, where he didn’t get a game. This experience, combined with his current form, maturity, and temperament, suggests he is more than ready to take the next step.
At a time when India is looking for stability and depth in its Test batting order, especially for a tough tour like Australia, Easwaran’s inclusion would not only add value to the team but also reinforce the principle that performances in domestic cricket are recognized and rewarded. By selecting Easwaran, the selectors would send a positive message to all players grinding it out in the domestic circuit—that excellence at that level can and will lead to opportunities at the highest level. Ignoring him could be a loss of credibility for the selectors, as it would suggest that even sustained success at the domestic level doesn’t guarantee a fair chance. Easwaran truly deserves the opportunity, and this could be his moment to shine.
