In a thrilling encounter of the Irani Cup 2024 in Lucknow, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s masterclass of an unbeaten 151 has provided a ray of hope for Rest of India (ROI) as they attempt to close the gap on Mumbai’s imposing first-innings score of 537. On Day 3, Easwaran’s innings was the backbone of ROI’s reply, guiding his team to a score of 289 for 4 by stumps, trailing Mumbai by 248 runs. His knock came at a critical juncture and was instrumental in holding the innings together, especially on a pitch that continued to assist the batters.
Mumbai, on the other hand, were driven by Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliant 222*, a knock that laid the foundation for their massive total. The day started with ROI looking to make a solid reply, and by the end of the day, they had done just enough to keep themselves in the contest, thanks largely to Easwaran’s dogged determination.
Mumbai’s Massive First Innings
The Mumbai batting lineup, known for its depth and resilience, had already laid the groundwork on the first two days. Sarfaraz Khan, who resumed Day 3 unbeaten on 221, added only one run to his overnight score before his partner Juned Khan was bowled by Mukesh Kumar. Mukesh, having been the pick of the bowlers for ROI, continued his excellent form, taking his fifth wicket of the innings. The pacer, who had an outstanding Duleep Trophy with 15 wickets, ended with figures of 5 for 110.
However, despite Mukesh’s efforts, Mumbai’s total of 537 was imposing enough to put the Rest of India team under pressure. Contributions from Sarfaraz, along with skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s crucial 97, set the tone for Mumbai. The key for ROI was to respond with the bat and avoid falling too far behind, a task Easwaran and his partners took on with determination.
ROI’s Reply: A Steady Start
ROI’s reply started positively, with Easwaran and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening the innings. The pair looked confident from the outset, with Gaikwad striking two boundaries within the first two overs. However, the aggressive start was short-lived, as Gaikwad edged one to Prithvi Shaw at second slip off pacer Mohit Avasthi, departing for a quick but brief contribution.
Easwaran, in contrast, adopted a more measured approach. While the early dismissal of Gaikwad might have rattled some openers, Easwaran remained unflustered. He rotated the strike well, kept the scoreboard ticking, and displayed immense patience. His innings was a mix of caution and occasional aggression, showing his experience and temperament in tough situations.
The innings took a significant turn when Easwaran was joined by Sai Sudharsan, a young and talented left-hander. The two batters stabilized the innings with a crucial partnership, and Sudharsan, playing with flair, took on the Mumbai bowlers, particularly left-arm spinner Shams Mulani. Sudharsan’s aggression, which included two boundaries in a single over against Mulani, eased the pressure on Easwaran, allowing him to focus on anchoring the innings.
Easwaran-Sudharsan Partnership: A Vital Stand
The partnership between Easwaran and Sudharsan blossomed into an 87-run stand, which was crucial in helping ROI recover from the early loss of Gaikwad. Easwaran reached his half-century with a well-timed shot wide of mid-on, further solidifying his presence at the crease. Sudharsan, meanwhile, looked to take the attack to the bowlers, showing positive intent.
However, just as the partnership was flourishing, Sudharsan was trapped leg-before by off-spinner Tanush Kotian. The decision, upheld by ball tracking technology, showed the ball clipping the leg stump. Sudharsan’s dismissal for a well-made 42 brought an end to what was turning into a promising partnership.
Paddikal and Kishan’s Contributions
Devdutt Paddikal, who came in at No. 4, couldn’t replicate Sudharsan’s positive play. He struggled to get going and was dismissed for 16, caught behind off Mohit Avasthi. With two quick wickets, Mumbai sensed an opportunity to make further inroads into the ROI lineup. However, Ishan Kishan, known for his aggressive style of batting, had other plans.
Kishan’s brief innings was full of intent, as he took the attack to the Mumbai bowlers. He smashed two boundaries in quick succession, ensuring the momentum didn’t shift completely in Mumbai’s favor. Easwaran, at the other end, continued his steady approach and reached his century with a streaky edge that flew past the Mumbai keeper, Hardik Tamore.
Though Kishan provided some much-needed aggression, his innings came to an abrupt end when he attempted to punch the ball on the up but ended up edging it behind to the keeper, giving Mohit Avasthi his second wicket. Despite the dismissal, Kishan’s quick-fire 38 and his 70-run partnership with Easwaran kept ROI’s hopes alive.
Easwaran’s Composure and Jurel’s Resilience
With ROI at a precarious position after the loss of Kishan, it was up to Easwaran to hold the innings together. The seasoned opener remained unfazed, moving towards his 150 with a calm single down to long-on in the penultimate over of the day. His ability to occupy the crease and play the long innings proved to be invaluable for ROI, especially as wickets continued to fall at the other end.
Easwaran found an able partner in Dhruv Jurel, who was resolute in defense. Jurel, while playing cautiously, also signaled his intent by striking two consecutive boundaries off Juned Khan. By the end of the day, Jurel and Easwaran had forged a 61-run partnership, with both batters remaining unbeaten. Easwaran’s composed 151* and Jurel’s supportive 28* helped ROI reach 289 for 4 at stumps, keeping them in the game despite the massive deficit.
The Road Ahead for ROI
As Day 4 looms, ROI still trail Mumbai by 248 runs, but with Easwaran at the crease, they will be hopeful of closing the gap and potentially avoiding the follow-on. Easwaran’s innings has been the highlight of the day, and his ability to continue on Day 4 will be crucial for ROI’s chances.
Mumbai, on the other hand, will look to break this partnership early and push for a significant first-innings lead. With Sarfaraz Khan’s double century already in the bag and their bowlers showing some promise, they remain in the driver’s seat.
However, as the match enters its final stages, all eyes will be on Easwaran and his ability to extend his innings and give ROI a fighting chance.