South Africa vs India 2023

'Chalo kisi ko toh opportunity milega' - Fans react as Abhimanyu Easwaran likely to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad in South Africa Test series

Young Indian opener Abhimanyu Easwaran finds himself on the brink of realising a long-awaited dream to make a Test debut as he remains on standby in South Africa for the upcoming Test series.

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Mathew K
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Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran (Source: Twitter)

Young Indian opener Abhimanyu Easwaran finds himself on the brink of realising a long-awaited dream as he remains on standby in South Africa. He has been asked to be ready to step into the shoes of the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad for the upcoming Test series.

The Indian Cricket Board has requested Easwaran, who is currently part of the India A team, to stay back in South Africa as a backup opener, emphasising the team's strategic planning in the face of Gaikwad's unavailability due to a finger injury.

Easwaran, with an illustrious domestic career and impressive first-class statistics, has been knocking on the doors of Test cricket for quite some time. His consistent performances and ability to anchor innings have earned him recognition, making him a promising prospect for the national side.

The decision to retain Easwaran as backup not only showcases the board’s proactive approach but also reflects the faith they have in the Bengal batter's abilities. With Gaikwad ruled out, the Indian team management sees Easwaran as a reliable option to fill the void at the top of the order.

Abhimanyu Eswaran has a great first-class record

The 27-year-old right-handed batter boasts a remarkable first-class record, amassing 6,567 runs at an impressive average of 47.24. What sets Easwaran apart is his penchant for big scores, as evidenced by his 22 centuries in the longer format of the game. This consistency has not gone unnoticed, and his prolific run-scoring in domestic cricket has raised expectations about his potential impact on the international stage.

While Easwaran has been part of the squad previously as a backup, the ongoing circumstances offer a unique opportunity for him to make his Test debut in South Africa. The slow and seaming conditions of South African pitches might pose a challenge, but Easwaran's technical proficiency and experience in Indian conditions could serve him well.

Here is how fans react to Abhimanyu Eswaran’s possible inclusion:

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