WI vs IND: Tests – Three openers India could have preferred over Ruturaj Gaikwad
The selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads for the multi-format series against West Indies, scheduled to be played in July. Following the announcement, quite a few inclusions and exclusions of certain players caused a stir on social media. One among them was the selection of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who relished a decent season in the recently concluded IPL 2023. However, here is a list of three players who team India could have picked in place of Gaikwad for the tour of West Indies-
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran has been knocking on the Test doors of the national team for quite some time. The batter was among the leading run-getters for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2022/23 season, as he collected 798 runs in just eight appearances. His knocks featured three half-centuries and as many fifties at a stunning average of 66.50. Despite this, the top-order batter has been overlooked and will need to wait for his opportunity to play for the national team.
Priyank Panchal
Likewise, Priyank Panchal too has been a familiar name in the domestic circuit. The batter has made massive strides while plying his trade for Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy this season, having got 583 runs in his account which includes three fifties and two tons and his best knock being an unbeaten 257 runs. However, the batter on numerous occasions has failed to find a spot in the national team.
Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan has been a proven performer in the domestic circuit and has garnered massive attention due to his impressive innings. Over the last two seasons in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz has been in tremendous form. With 556 runs in the recent Ranji Trophy season, the batter was among the leading run-getters and also notched up three centuries and one fifty during his stint with Mumbai in 2022/23. However, this has not been enough for the BCCI to include him in the setup and the batter will need to remain patient for his chance to play for the national side.
