Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has said that Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan are the only two No. 3 options for the Indian team ahead of the first Test against England as well. He also added that Easwaran should be the preferred option if first-class cricket is given importance as well. However, the first Test of the five-match Test series between India and England will be played in Leeds from Friday, June 20, onwards.

During an interaction on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Bangar said, “Only two options are there, either Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudharsan. Easwaran has scored a lot of runs in first-class cricket, and he was also part of the Indian team’s Australian tour. If you look at it from that perspective, and we have heard many times that the current team management wants to give a lot of importance to first-class cricket, that could be a signal towards Easwaran.”

ALSO READ: “He is the most successful Indian Test captain” – Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli

“However, the recent form is towards Sai Sudharsan. If I had to choose, I would definitely choose Abhimanyu because he has great experience of playing the new ball, and the top three will have to bat well if the Indian team has to post a big score in the first innings. The top three will have to play out the new ball,” Bangar further added.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Bangar was also asked about Karun Nair’s place in the Indian XI if he isn’t in the race for the No. 3 position as well.

“I feel he will start for sure. I don’t think there is much to think about that. It will be a huge surprise if he doesn’t start. I see Karun Nair batting at No. 6, and we already know the No. 4 and No. 5. So, there is a slight suspense over No. 3. My view is towards Abhimanyu Easwaran, but let’s see what the team management thinks. We will probably come to know only after the toss today in whose favor the team management puts the weight in the balance,” Sanjay Bangar concluded.