Abhimanyu Easwaran was the star of the show, while Ishan Kishan failed to capitalise on the good start he got on Day 3 of the Irani Cup match against Mumbai in Lucknow on October 3, Thursday. Easwaran’s brilliant unbeaten century helped the Rest of India fight back against Mumbai’s imposing first-innings total on Day 3 of the 2024 Irani Cup in Lucknow. Responding to Mumbai’s massive 537, Rest of India finished the day at 289 for 4, with Easwaran leading the charge with an unbeaten 151.
Earlier in the day, Sarfaraz Khan extended his innings to 222, before Mumbai lost their final wicket, adding just one run to their overnight score. Mukesh Kumar completed a five-wicket haul, continuing his excellent form since being dropped from India’s Test squad. Rest of India’s innings began with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Easwaran putting together 40 runs for the first wicket. However, Gaikwad fell for 9 off 27 balls, with Mohammed Juned Khan claiming the breakthrough for Mumbai. Easwaran, in fine form, then built an 83-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan for the second wicket. Sudharsan, looking set for a significant score, was dismissed by Tanush Kotian for 32.
Easwaran remained the backbone of Rest of India’s innings, reaching his 36th First-Class century, his fourth in his last five red-ball matches. Devdutt Padikkal, who recently made his Test debut, couldn’t capitalise on his form from the Duleep Trophy, managing only 16 runs before falling to Mohit Avasthi.
Ishan Kishan, batting at No.5 ahead of Dhruv Jurel, contributed 38 off 60 balls, showing signs of a return to form. However, Avasthi would come in to dismiss him to give Mumbai the edge. He would then dismiss Padikkal as Easwaran was joined by Dhruv Jurel in the middle.
However, Easwaran and Jurel (21*) staged a recovery, adding an unbeaten 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Easwaran’s knock of 151* off 212 balls, including 12 fours and a six, kept Rest of India in the game heading into Day 4.
Easwaran continues to knock on the door
For years, Easwaran has been one of the consistent performers in the Indian domestic circuit. The Bengal opener has been scoring runs for fun as the knock on Thursday was his 3rd consecutive ton in first-class cricket.
In 2024, Easwaran has been in outstanding form, amassing over 800 runs in first-class cricket, including four centuries and three fifties. He was the top-scorer for India B in the Duleep Trophy, accumulating 309 runs in five innings. Additionally, in the last Ranji Trophy season, Easwaran played two matches for Bengal, where he notched up a double century and two half-centuries.
At 29, Easwaran was last part of the India Test squad during their tour of South Africa earlier this year. Despite traveling with the team, he has yet to break into the playing XI. But the Bengal opener has put his name forward with a brisk knock. With India looking to be fresh and flexible in their approach, Easwaran’s knock will hold him in good stead with a long Test season coming up.
Starting the 2024-25 season on a high, the Bengal batter would have caught the selectors’ eye once again and continue to knock on the door.
