India’s 18-man squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia features an intriguing mix of experience and new talent. With the absence of seasoned bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, the spotlight now shifts to a few fresh faces. Here’s a detailed look at five players poised to make a mark in the squad.
Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Seasoned Opener Ready for a Big Break
Abhimanyu Easwaran, a 29-year-old opener from Bengal, is set to make his mark in Australia after years of consistent performances in domestic cricket. Known for his classic approach at the crease, Easwaran has been a dependable force in India’s domestic circuit, accumulating over 7,600 first-class runs with an impressive average close to 50.
Recently, he scored four centuries in consecutive first-class games, with performances such as 157* and 116 in the Duleep Trophy, and a 191 in the Irani Cup. Currently in Australia for the India A games, Easwaran’s form and resilience may just secure him a place as an opener in the Test series if captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable.
Washington Sundar: A Versatile Spinner Making His Return
Returning to the Test squad after more than three years, Washington Sundar has demonstrated his value as a capable off-spin bowler and a useful lower-order batsman. In a recent Ranji Trophy game, his pinpoint accuracy claimed seven wickets in one innings and four in another. His batting prowess further strengthens his position, backed by an unbeaten 152 for Tamil Nadu from No. 3.
Having played on Australian pitches during India’s last tour, Sundar’s height allows him to extract extra bounce—an advantage for Indian spinners in Australia. While Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin are likely to be the first-choice spinners, Sundar’s skills make him a worthy alternative should India need an all-rounder capable of handling Australian conditions.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The Young All-Rounder with a Bright Future
At just 21, Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown versatility as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Known for his standout performances in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he recently made his T20I debut against Bangladesh. Reddy’s middle-order batting capabilities were on display during his 74 off 34 balls in the second T20I, while his two wickets further solidified his place as an asset with the ball.
Although his performance in the Duleep Trophy was modest, Reddy’s domestic record speaks volumes, having taken 25 wickets in his last Ranji Trophy season with Andhra, including a five-wicket haul against Mumbai. His ability to swing the ball both ways adds depth to India’s pace attack, making him a promising choice for the Australian tour.
Prasidh Krishna: Pacer with Height and Speed Advantage
Returning from injury, Prasidh Krishna has earned a place in the Test squad due to his unique attributes of height, bounce, and speed, which suit the Australian pitches. Although his numbers in his first two Tests against South Africa weren’t extraordinary, Krishna’s potential to extract bounce on the hard Australian pitches could be instrumental if India opts to rotate bowlers.
Since his return, Krishna has worked on his form, playing four first-class games at the start of the domestic season. Alongside India A for two games in Mackay and Melbourne, he has the opportunity to refine his skills further before the Test series kicks off.
Harshit Rana: The Promising New Entrant
Harshit Rana, the youngest and least experienced in the 21-member squad, has risen through the ranks swiftly. Known for his success in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he claimed 19 wickets with an economy rate of 9.08, Rana’s red-ball performance has also impressed selectors. In the Duleep Trophy, he picked up two four-wicket hauls, demonstrating control and accuracy.
Despite limited experience, Rana’s determination and versatility make him a valuable addition to the squad.
