As India gears up for the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, the composition of the playing XI has become a major talking point, particularly the crucial No. 3 batting position. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from red-ball cricket, a new era is dawning under the leadership of Shubman Gill. The absence of these stalwarts has opened up opportunities for fresh talent, but it has also created a selection dilemma for the team management.
Among the frontrunners for the pivotal batting position is Sai Sudharsan, whose impressive IPL form and fearless stroke play have propelled him into national contention. However, veteran domestic performer Abhimanyu Easwaran stands as a compelling alternative. With nearly 8,000 first-class runs and 27 centuries to his name, Easwaran represents a tried-and-tested option, especially in the swinging English conditions.
Several former Indian cricketers have weighed in on the matter, cautioning head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors against overlooking proven performers like Easwaran. Mohammad Kaif has been particularly vocal, emphasizing the importance of respecting Easwaran's extensive domestic record. He took to social media to express his views, stating that Easwaran deserves to be in the playing XI before Sai Sudharsan. Kaif believes that the selectors made a mistake by dropping Sarfaraz Khan, who had previously scored runs for India A in England, and they shouldn't repeat it by keeping Easwaran out of the Leeds Test.
WV Raman, another former India cricketer and coach, echoed similar sentiments, reminding the team management of Easwaran's consistent performances over a long period. Raman pointed out that Easwaran has been a part of the squad for a while but hasn't been given a chance to play, creating a dilemma for future selections. He urged Gambhir to reward Easwaran for his consistency, especially when there's a vacant slot at the top of the order.
The debate surrounding Easwaran's inclusion highlights a broader discussion about the balance between rewarding domestic experience and promoting young talent based on recent form. While Sudharsan's IPL exploits have undoubtedly caught the eye, Easwaran's sheer weight of runs in first-class cricket cannot be ignored. His experience of playing in English conditions with India A further strengthens his case.
The decision to potentially exclude Sarfaraz Khan, despite his performances for India A in England, has also drawn criticism. Kaif believes that dropping Sarfaraz was a mistake, and the selectors shouldn't compound it by overlooking Easwaran. This underscores the importance of consistency in selection and rewarding players who have proven their mettle in challenging conditions.
Ultimately, the team management faces a tough decision. They need to weigh the potential of Sudharsan against the experience and proven record of Easwaran. They also need to consider the message they are sending to players who have consistently performed in the domestic circuit. As India embarks on a new era under Shubman Gill, the choices made in this Test series will set the tone for the future.
