Bengal’s top-order batter Abhimanyu Easwaran once again showcased his exceptional skills in first-class cricket, scoring a brilliant century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match between Uttar Pradesh and Bengal. Easwaran’s standout performance has reignited discussions about his potential selection for Team India’s squad ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. His impressive knock also served as a perfect response to being overlooked for the upcoming India vs. New Zealand Test series.
Outstanding consistency across competitions
Easwaran’s ton in the Ranji Trophy came after a disappointing first-innings score of 5. However, on Day 4, he displayed resilience, scoring a remarkable century during the morning session, marking his fourth consecutive hundred in first-class cricket. Prior to this, he hit back-to-back centuries in the second and third games of the Duleep Trophy, followed by another impressive performance in the Irani Cup. His current run in the Ranji Trophy continues this exceptional streak.
With a batting average of 160 over his last 8 innings and 133.86 across his last 10, Easwaran’s form is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite his recent exclusion from the India vs. New Zealand Test series, where selectors opted for only two openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Easwaran’s current performances have bolstered his case to be selected over Ruturaj Gaikwad for the India vs. Australia Test series.
Fans push for Easwaran’s selection in the BGT squad
Cricket fans have taken to social media to applaud Easwaran’s superb batting display, urging the BCCI to consider him as a reserve opener for the BGT 2024-25. Currently, the Indian squad features Rohit and Jaiswal as the main opening options, while Shubman Gill has been moved to the number 3 slot in red-ball cricket. Easwaran’s consistent run makes him a solid candidate to be India’s backup opener for the upcoming series in Australia. Given Gaikwad’s struggles with form, Easwaran’s prolific run-scoring could give him the edge.
Also READ: Steve Smith picks the best fast bowler across formats ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Here is how fans reacted:
HUNDRED BY ABHIMANYU EASWARAN.
– 4th consecutive century in first class cricket, his 27th hundred. He surely deserves the back-up spot at Border Gavaskar Trophy. 👌🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/0qcPLRr9oC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 14, 2024
– Hundred in the 2nd match of Duleep Trophy.
– Hundred in the 3rd match of Duleep Trophy.
– Hundred in the Irani Cup.
– Hundred in Ranji Trophy.FOURTH CONSECUTIVE HUNDRED FOR ABHIMANYU EASWARAN IN FC 🤯
Easwaran deserves to go to BGT as Backup opener for 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WfdftZdgGt
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 14, 2024
No, no, now you cannot keep this player out of the team.
And what perfect timing for “Abhimanyu Easwaran” to bring his best.
Another fantastic century!
157* v IND-C
116 v IND-C
191 v MUM
117* (batting) v UP4 centuries in last 4 FC match🤯#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/JYa9r06Rgs
— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) October 14, 2024
Most likely Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the captain for India A against India for Australia tour.
That means he won’t be the third opener even though Rohit Sharma will miss the initial matches.Hope selectors will Select deserving Abhimanyu Easwaran. pic.twitter.com/p9h1sPNpRc
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) October 13, 2024
Abhimanyu Easwaran is the synonym of consistency. This guy hasn’t stopped a bit scoring runs. Backup opener or no.3 in BGT for sure. pic.twitter.com/i243fQJAc1
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) October 14, 2024
Abhimanyu Easwaran hits his 15th #RanjiTrophy hundred and 27th First Class ton. Played only one game last season, he’s returned to prime form this red-ball season. 5 hundreds in his last 9 innings. Can’t ask for more from a back-up opener candidate.
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) October 14, 2024
Hundred in the 2nd match of Duleep Trophy.
Hundred in the 3rd match of Duleep Trophy.
Hundred in the Irani Cup.
Hundred in Ranji Trophy.
FOURTH CONSECUTIVE HUNDRED FOR ABHIMANYU EASWARAN IN FC 🤯Easwaran deserves to go to BGT as a backup opener for 🇮🇳! pic.twitter.com/y2JVW98pR8
— Hemant Bhavsar (@hemantbhavsar86) October 14, 2024
4 in 4 for Abhimanyu Easwaran! After a rare blip in the first innings, he is back to doing what he does best. The magical run continues for the 29 y/o. A 27th first-class hundred and fourth in as many matches. #RanjiTrophy
— Srinjoy Sanyal (@srinjoysanyal07) October 14, 2024
Abhimanyu Easwaran is in great form! Four centuries in last four FC matches, can’t be left out of the team now.#TamilNadu #Saurashtra #RanjiTrophy #Coimbatore #BDAvMUM pic.twitter.com/T544iJdagv
— Akki Sehra (@Akkisehra) October 14, 2024
– 100 in the 2nd match of Duleep Trophy.
– 100 in the 3rd match of Duleep Trophy.
– 100 in the Irani Cup.
– 100 in Ranji Trophy.FOURTH CONSECUTIVE HUNDRED FOR ABHIMANYU EASWARAN IN first class cricket ✨🔥
He has no hype as he isn’t an IPL player💔
deserves the BGT spot🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/VZkuBqz8Qi
— arnav.🩺🥼 (@TheDrArnav) October 14, 2024