Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran continued his impressive run of form on Thursday, October 3, scoring his second Irani Cup century for the Rest of India side against Mumbai at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Abhimanyu Easwaran on a century spree
Opening the batting in pursuit of Mumbai's massive first-innings total of 537 runs on Day 3, Easwaran, the RoI vice-captain, showcased his class and skill by reaching a flawless hundred. With his eyes on a potential spot as India's backup Test opener, Easwaran achieved the milestone in 117 balls, highlighting his consistent performance and determination.
Despite the early dismissal of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (9), Easwaran remained resolute against the Mumbai attack. The 29-year-old opener weathered the storm and eventually reached his 26th First-Class hundred.
While Easwaran's century was a standout performance, his partners struggled to capitalise on their starts. Sudharsan (32) and Devdutt Padikkal (16) failed to convert their early promise into substantial scores.
Easwaran's hundred serves as a timely reminder of his exceptional batting skills. As the national selectors continue to prepare the Test squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Easwaran's performance could strengthen his case for inclusion in the team.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, who led the India B side in the Duleep Trophy last month, showcased his exceptional batting skills by finishing second on the run-scoring charts with 309 runs. His impressive performance included two gritty centuries, highlighting his ability to handle pressure and deliver under challenging conditions.
Easwaran's innings against Mumbai marked his fourth hundred of the season. He had previously scored a double hundred against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy last February.
The Bengal batter is certainly in sensational form, having achieved three consecutive centuries in various formats. His impressive performances include centuries in the second and third Duleep Trophy matches, and most recently, a century in the Irani Trophy.
With a wealth of experience from 98 First Class games, Easwaran has amassed an impressive total of over 7300 runs in the format, averaging an impressive 49. His consistent performance and solid batting technique make him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.
