In an impressive display of skill and determination, Abhimanyu Easwaran shone brightly for the Rest of India during the ongoing Irani Cup at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. On October 3, Easwaran scored an unbeaten 151 runs off 212 balls, showcasing his prowess as a right-handed batter. This innings, adorned with one six and 12 boundaries, marked his third consecutive century in red-ball cricket, following two spectacular tons for India B in the recent 2024 Duleep Trophy.
Easwaran’s first-class statistics are nothing short of remarkable, with a total of 7,466 runs in 98 matches, including 26 centuries and 29 fifties. Yet, despite his impressive resume, the Bengal batter is still awaiting his Test debut, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by fans and cricket analysts alike.
Fans Rally for Easwaran’s Selection
The cricketing community has taken to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their support for Easwaran. Fans are passionately urging the national selectors to consider him for a spot on the national team.
“Impressive milestone for Abhimanyu Easwaran! Keep knocking, and that door to the national team will open soon enough!”
Another fan chimed in, stating,
“If banging the Selectors’ door had a face, it would be Abhimanyu Easwaran. Uncomplicated technique, tight defense, an old-school red-ball batter—a rare sight these days. He should have played ahead of Surya, Rajat, and Paddikkal.”
The sentiments echoed throughout social media, as another supporter noted,
“Abhimanyu Easwaran has notched up his 26th First-Class century, further strengthening his case for national selection. His consistent performances and ability to deliver in crucial moments are a testament to his skill and determination.”
Rest of India Fights Back
Easwaran’s remarkable century played a crucial role in Rest of India’s fightback against Mumbai. As the day concluded, Rest of India stood at 289/4, with Easwaran not out on 151 and Dhruv Jurel contributing a valuable 30 off 41 balls. Ishan Kishan and Sai Sudharsan also made noteworthy contributions with scores of 38 (60) and 32 (79), respectively. However, the team’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal fell early, managing only 16 (31) and 9 (27) runs, respectively.
On the bowling front for Mumbai, Mohit Avasthi excelled, claiming two wickets and posing a significant challenge for the Rest of India.
Mumbai’s First Innings
Batting first, Mumbai set a formidable total of 537 runs in their first innings, with Sarfaraz Khan leading the charge with an outstanding 222 off 286 deliveries. His innings featured an impressive four sixes and 25 boundaries, showcasing his aggressive yet controlled style of play. Captain Ajinkya Rahane also made a significant contribution, scoring 97 off 234, supported by Shreyas Iyer and Tanush Kotian, who both chipped in with half-centuries.
On the bowling side, Mukesh Kumar stood out with an impressive performance, taking five wickets, while Yash Dayal and Prasidh Krishna both secured two wickets each. Saransh Jaina contributed one wicket to the tally, ensuring Mumbai set a challenging target.
Looking Ahead
As the Irani Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Abhimanyu Easwaran. His latest performance has not only rekindled hope among fans but has also raised questions about the national selectors’ decisions. With his consistent form and ability to perform under pressure, Easwaran is undeniably making a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian cricket team. As the fans continue to rally behind him, one can only hope that his relentless pursuit of excellence will soon open the coveted door to international cricket.
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