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Manoj Tiwary Supports Abhimanyu Easwaran As KL Rahul's Replacement In India Test Team


Manoj Tiwary backs Abhimanyu Easwaran [Source: @SirAshu2002/X.com]Manoj Tiwary backs Abhimanyu Easwaran [Source: @SirAshu2002/X.com]

Former India and Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary has made a strong case for Abhimanyu Easwaran to replace KL Rahul in the Indian Test squad. With Rahul struggling to find his form, Tiwary believes the selectors should consider Easwaran for the middle order without disrupting Sarfaraz Khan's position. The recent match brought back memories of the historic Kolkata Test in 2001, where hopes soared when Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant were at the crease. Unfortunately, both were dismissed quickly, leaving Rahul to shoulder the entire burden. His performance in the second innings was disappointing, with only 12 runs after a duck in the first.

Tiwary pointed out that despite KL Rahul's experience, his Test average of 33.98 is underwhelming. He emphasised the wealth of talent in Indian domestic cricket that could potentially perform better. Tiwary specifically highlighted Easwaran, who is traditionally seen as an opener but has been impressive in recent matches. 

“If you play 91 innings, and have an average of 33.98… India have a lot of batters who are performing well consistently, even in domestic cricket, then why not (rethink KL Rahul’s spot)?” he said in an interview with Cricbuzz.

"If in a Test match, you can get a performance out of Sarfaraz by sending him at No. 4… I feel Abhimanyu Easwaran is a player, whom we have definitely given that ‘opener’ tag, and he is a specialist opener, but if you look at his numbers, there were hardly any innings in the last few matches he played where he did not score a century. So, bring him in, and try him as a middle-order batter, given that he is in form. Why not?” he added

KL Rahul's Struggles Continue In Test

In the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, KL Rahul's failure to capitalize on his chances has put his position in jeopardy. Despite captain Rohit Sharma's faith in him, Rahul struggled against quality pace bowling. 

Tiwary expressed concern, noting that there are numerous talented batters in domestic cricket who deserve a shot in the Test squad. Among them, he singled out Easwaran, who has been on the selectors' radar for some time but has yet to earn his Test cap.

Easwaran has recently been in phenomenal form, scoring back-to-back centuries in the Duleep Trophy 2024 and another one in the Irani Cup. In total, he has achieved four centuries in his last six domestic innings, including a remarkable 191 against Mumbai for the Rest of India.