India’s Test squad is set to face a challenging opener against Australia at Perth Stadium on November 22, with captain Rohit Sharma likely sidelined due to injury. Rohit’s absence leaves a significant gap at the top of the order, creating an urgent search for a reliable opener. The team has experimented with Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul in the warm-up matches against Australia A, but both players struggled to deliver under pressure, raising concerns within the Indian camp.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, who earned a call-up thanks to a string of four consecutive centuries in domestic cricket, has yet to find his rhythm on the Australian pitches. In the first unofficial Test, he was dismissed for scores of 7 and 12, and in the following game, he failed to get off the mark, falling to Australian pacer Michael Neser.
His recent domestic successes have yet to translate into international runs, leaving selectors in a dilemma about his readiness for the high-stakes series. KL Rahul, meanwhile, hasn’t opened in red-ball cricket since 2022, instead shifting to the middle order before being dropped following a lackluster performance against New Zealand.
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Despite having the experience of playing in Australia, Rahul couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, departing for just four runs as he was bowled out by Scott Boland in the second over, placing India at a precarious 9/3. His inability to settle in as an opener after his recent role adjustments further complicates India’s search for a stable opening partnership.
Abhimanyu Easwaran – 0
Sai Sudharsan – 0
KL Rahul – 4
Ruturaj Gaikwad – 4India – 11/4
Michael Neser and Scott Boland were on song at the MCG this morning!
LIVE: https://t.co/1Mtn6rsI3o#AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/sXXCVzXcOK
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 7, 2024
These underwhelming performances by both Easwaran and Rahul present a serious challenge for the team management. Having recently suffered a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand, India is under pressure to secure crucial victories in Australia to stay in the running for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Losing Rohit’s experience and leadership would be a substantial blow, especially with potential replacements struggling to acclimatize to Australian conditions. On a more positive note, Dhruv Jurel’s impressive knock of 80 runs in the warm-up match has been a rare bright spot.
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Thanks to Jurel’s resilience, India posted a respectable 161 in their first innings. However, to compete against Australia’s formidable bowling attack in the Test series, India will need more of their batsmen to step up, especially if Rohit’s absence becomes a reality.
