Bengal Takes Command Against Uttar Pradesh with Strong Second Innings
Bengal declared their second innings at 254/3, establishing a substantial lead of 273 runs against Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024. The team’s performance has been bolstered by the exceptional form of opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who scored his fourth consecutive first-class century against Uttar Pradesh. The 29-year-old cricketer is on a roll, having recently notched back-to-back centuries for India B in the Duleep Trophy. His success continued with a century in the Irani Cup, and he made a strong impact in the opening game of the Ranji Trophy, further solidifying his reputation as a consistent performer.
Easwaran’s recent form places him in a favorable position for selection in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on November 22. He is currently vying for the third opener’s spot alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a commendable 86 runs batting at number four for Maharashtra in their match against Jammu and Kashmir. While Easwaran struggled in the first innings, his resilience shone through in the second innings, where he made a significant contribution to Bengal’s total.
In their first innings, Bengal posted a solid 311 runs, powered by a brilliant century from opener Sudip Chatterjee, who made 116 runs. Meanwhile, Sudip Gharami played a vital role at number three with his score of 90 runs. Bengal’s bowlers also showcased their skills, with Yash Dayal delivering an impressive performance by claiming four wickets. Dayal had been part of India’s squad for the Test series against Bangladesh but was surprisingly dropped for the upcoming Tests against New Zealand.
Bengal’s bowling attack was well-rounded, with Mukesh also picking up four wickets. Spinner Shahbaz Ahmed had a notable outing, taking four wickets to help restrict Uttar Pradesh to 292 runs in their first innings, giving Bengal an 11-run lead. For Uttar Pradesh, captain Aryan Juyal top-scored with 92 runs, while Siddharth Yadav contributed with a solid 73, but their efforts fell short against Bengal’s balanced performance.
In the second innings, Easwaran and Chatterjee were instrumental in putting Bengal in a commanding position. They took their time to settle down but formed a remarkable partnership of over 200 runs, allowing Bengal to maintain control of the match. Easwaran’s performance not only showcased his skill but also underscored his potential for national selection, especially as the Border-Gavaskar series approaches.
As Easwaran continues to impress with his batting prowess, the pressure is on him to remain consistent and deliver strong performances. Having previously been part of the India squad without getting a chance to debut, this could be his moment to prove himself on the international stage. With the competition for spots in the national team intensifying, every run and partnership becomes crucial for players aiming to secure their places.
