Team India Faces Selection Dilemma Ahead of England Tour
Team India in a Selection Quandary
As the Indian cricket team prepares for its upcoming tour of England, it finds itself in a challenging situation. The squad, featuring several young talents, is grappling with uncertainties regarding the batting order. Any changes in the batting lineup could significantly impact player performance. Two players, in particular, have created a complex scenario for the team management, making it difficult to find a resolution. If the team opts to position a player who excelled in the IPL in their preferred batting spot, it may lead to unfair treatment of another player who has performed well domestically.
Sudarshan and Abhimanyu: The Key Players
Abhimanyu Eshwaran, who has been included in the Test squad, typically opens the batting in domestic cricket, while Sai Sudharsan plays at number three. Sudharsan has been in exceptional form during IPL 2025, leading the season with the highest runs. He has amassed 638 runs in 13 matches. In his first-class career representing Tamil Nadu, he has played 29 matches, scoring 1,957 runs at an average of 33.93, including seven centuries and five half-centuries.
Abhimanyu's Impressive First-Class Record
On the other hand, Abhimanyu Eshwaran has also showcased remarkable performances in domestic cricket, earning him the captaincy of the India A team. Playing for Bengal, he has participated in 101 first-class matches, accumulating 7,674 runs at an impressive average of 48.87, which includes 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries.
The Dilemma of Batting Order
If Sudharsan is given the opportunity to bat at number three instead of Eshwaran, it could be seen as a slight against Eshwaran's achievements in domestic cricket. With Eshwaran potentially missing out on the chance to open in England, he might be considered for the number three position, but he faces stiff competition from Sudharsan.
Gill's Role in the Batting Lineup
New Test captain Shubman Gill also bats at number three. If KL Rahul opens the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill could step in at number three. However, former cricketers have suggested he should bat at number four, a position previously held by Virat Kohli. Should Gill take the number four spot, either Sudharsan or Eshwaran would then be vying for the number three position. The pressing question remains: who will secure that crucial batting slot?