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KL Rahul vs Abhimanyu Easwaran: Who Will Be Rohit Sharma's Perfect Replacement For Perth Test?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @LoyalSachinFan/x.com]KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @LoyalSachinFan/x.com]

India's next big assigment in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The series is due to start from the 22nd of November 2024 with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Reports are there that the captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma might not be a part of the playing XI in this match. This will create a vacuum in the opening slot and India will have to find his a repalcement, who can pair up with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the game.

With Shubman Gill expected to bat at number three, the two most probable names for the opening slot in the first Test are - KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran. In this article we wil try to analyse and answer the question - KL Rahul vs Abhimanyu Easwaran; Who is a better repalcement of Rohit Sharma for the Perth Test.

1. KL Rahul vs Abhimanyu Easwaran: Current Form

KL Rahul is ofcourse the experienced candidate in this case. But if we see recent form, then KL Rahul has struggled to find rhythm with the bat. During the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand, he was going through a lean phase. His struggles saw him miss the last two matches of the series.

On the other hand, Abhimanyu Easwaran has had a stellar domestic season. He has scored runs almost at all the levels. Even though he has struggled in the India A vs Australia A matches recently, his domestic form goes in his favour. Based on the current form, India should look to slot in the Bengal opener in the playing XI.

2. KL Rahul vs Abhimanyu Easwaran: Experience

Notably, KL Rahul made his Test debut against Australia and scored a century in that match. He has visited Australia before and has a fair idea about the conditions. Abhimanyu Easwaran, in this case, falls behind as this his first tour of country. Though he has played in the first class games against Australia A, Test cricket will be of a different league. So, as far as experience in handling the Australian seamers on their home soil is concerned, KL Rahul edges ahead of Abhimanyu Easwaran.

3. KL Rahul vs Abhimanyu Easwaran: Indian Team's Cricket Model

Even though the Indian team has not seen much success under their new Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir, they have adapted a new model in the way they play cricket. KL Rahul having been a part of the team and having played a particular role has some failed to adjust his game to the new model. However, Abhimanyu Easwaran is a new induction and he will give his best to prove his worth in the seniro team. Hence, it might be easier to adapt Easwaran to the new style of cricket rather than forcing Rahul to change his game.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that KL Rahul is a class act. However, he has struggled to get going in the recent pat. On the other hand, Abhimanyu Easwaran being a fresher might bring something different to the table. Also, the fact that the current form and momentum is with Easwaran might act in India's favour. So, the perfect replacement for Rohit Sharma at this seems to be the Bengal opener.