4 batsmen who could become India’s next Test openers
The debate over the position of openers in India’s Test squad rages on. The question still remains one of the great mysteries of Indian cricket. In a country blessed with an abundance of talent, the No.1 Test side in the world has failed to find a steady pairing since the heydays of Sehwag and Gambhir. Many have tried. Many have failed. Yes, there have been players who have showcased brilliance when it comes to individual performance. But none of them have managed to forge a pair. This is in stark contrast to the shorter formats where Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are arguably the best in the business.
All eyes have recently been on KL Rahul. His talent is unquestioned. But the numbers simply don’t stack up. For a player with such an array of strokes, Rahul has only scored 2006 runs in 36 Test matches. He averages 34.59, with 5 centuries to his name. Though not the worst of records, he has failed to show conviction and has often thrown away his wicket after battling at the start.
Mayank Agarwal, the second part of the equation is at the infancy of his international career. So far, he has shown poise and composure, offering glimpses that he may well cement his place. But will the selectors and the team management continue to offer the long rope to Rahul?
Here we take a look at a few other players, who are chomping at the bits to be given a chance at the top of the order.
Also read: “I don’t think about selection, it’s not in my hands”: Abhimanyu Easwaran
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s name has been propagated by some legends of Indian cricket like Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Though never having opened in Test cricket, Rohit’s career completely transformed after he was promoted at the top of the order in ODI cricket. He averages 57.42 in ODIs and 34.27 in T20Is as an opener. Once off to a start, Rohit can be a devastating force of nature. His three double centuries in ODIs lay testament to his abilities.
After constant failures by India’s opening pairs, the clamour for Rohit to be given a shot has certainly grown. His Test career can be best be described as a story of unfulfilled potential. He has played 27 matches, scoring 1585 runs at an average of 39.62 with 3 centuries. But Rohit is currently in the form of his life after scoring 5 centuries at the World Cup. Better to strike when the iron is hot.
Prithvi Shaw
Shaw was set to be given a long run as an opener before being hit by a number of misfortunes. Making a sensational debut in the home series against West Indies, he displayed breathtaking stroke-making, introducing the world to his prodigious talent. But a serious injury meant that he missed India’s historic series victory down under. Recently, it was revealed that he had failed a dope test and was handed a suspension.
The suspension will be up in November and it will be interesting to see whether the selectors immediately bring him back into the mix. If not, he will have to put in the hard yards at the domestic level again. What remains unquestioned is how highly rated, the 19-year old is in Indian cricketing circles. In 2 Test matches, he has scored 237 runs at an average of 118.50 with 1 century. He still remains the best bet to be India’s long-term red-ball opener.
Priyank Panchal
An unheralded hero at the Indian domestic level, Panchal has done everything humanly possible to make a strong case for national selection. He has piled on the runs, year after year. Yet, he is still to be considered by the Indian selectors as a man who is suitable for the job. The 29-year old Gujarat opener certainly has the resume, along with the experience. Having played 86 First-class matches, Panchal has scored a mammoth 6153 runs at an average of 47.33. He has scored 21 centuries, with a career-best score of 314*.
The 2016-17 Ranji season was in particular, a highlight as Panchal scored for fun, ending the season with 1310 reasons. He again had a decent last season in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 898 runs at an average of 59.87 in 9 matches. But time may well be running out for him to finally get his shot in international cricket.
Abhimanyu Easwaran
A player whose star is certainly on the rise. Having recently turned 24, the new West Bengal skipper has impressed one and all. He had an incredible season in the Ranji Trophy last year, scoring 3 mammoth centuries. His upturn in form came after a conversation with Rahul Dravid, who advised him to improve the mental aspects of his game. In only 6 matches, the youngster managed to score 861 runs at an average of 95.66. He has continued to impress in the Duleep Trophy, scoring a commanding century in the final. Overall, he has played 51 First-class matches, scoring 3914 runs at an average of 48.32 with 12 centuries. With age on his side, Easwaran is well and truly one to watch out for.
