Abhimanyu Easwaran’s First-Class Record And Recent Form; Should He Open for India In Perth Test?

Abhimanyu Easwaran has a stellar FC record [Source: easwaranabhimanyu1/instagram.com]

Abhimanyu Easwaran is one of those players who’s been right on the brink of making it into India’s playing XI but just hasn’t quite made it. The “bridesmaid, never the bride” of Indian cricket, he’s been grinding it out in domestic cricket, scoring runs for Bengal season after season.

With Rohit Sharma out for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to family reasons, and Shubman Gill injured, there’s chatter about Easwaran finally getting his chance. But does he have what it takes to be India’s next opener? Let’s dive into his stats and what makes him a strong contender.

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s First Class Stats

Abhimanyu Easwaran's First-Class numbers speak volumes about his immense potential and incredible talent. The right-hander has been scoring runs like clockwork and his stats show just how reliable he’s been for Bengal. 

Easwaran has amassed 7,674 runs in 101 FC matches at a sensational average of 48.87 with 27 centuries and 29 fifties. He had also grabbed headlines during the Irani Cup 2024, where he proved his worth with a brilliant 191 against Mumbai.

Before that, in the Duleep Trophy 2024, Easwaran was at his best as he finished as the second-leading run-scorer of the tournament. He scored 309 runs in three games at an exceptional average of 77.25, including two centuries.  

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Should Easwaran Play the First Test vs Australia?

Despite his domestic heroics, Easwaran’s luck hasn’t been great when it comes to the national team. He was a standby for the 2021 Test series against England and the World Test Championship final, but he didn’t make it into the playing XI.

And though he’s been a regular for India A, his most recent outing wasn’t exactly memorable. In an unofficial Test series against Australia A, he struggled, managing only 19 runs in total in the first match, and scoring just a duck and 17 in the second.

But here’s the dilemma: while Easwaran has had a rough patch with India A, his domestic form is solid. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who’s also in the running for the opening spot, hasn’t exactly been on fire either.

Rahul’s recent form has been a concern, and with Rohit out and Gill sidelined, this might just be Easwaran’s golden opportunity to make his long-awaited debut.

So, does Team India take a chance on the in-form Easwaran or stick with the more experienced but out-of-form Rahul? For Easwaran, who’s been waiting on the sidelines for years, this could be the shot he’s been working so hard for, a chance to prove he’s got what it takes to open for India on the biggest stage. 

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