Priyank Panchal
Priyank Panchal (Credits: AFP)

For quite some time now, Gujarat star Priyank Panchal has been knocking at the doors of the Indian team. Along with Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran, he is being seen as a big contender for the reserve opener. Priyank Panchal is one of the most consistent batsmen in the domestic circuity at the moment.

He had a stunning outing in the last Ranji Trophy. Panchal was the fourth-highest scorer in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, averaging nearly 60 with 898 runs in 17 innings, ushering Gujarat to the quarter-finals. He has also become a regular in the India A team and has grabbed his chances with both the hands.

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Since May, Priyank Panchal has scored two centuries and as many half-centuries for India A in 6 games. In his latest outing, he scored a fine ton in the drawn unofficial Test against South Africa A. He scored the century on the final day of the four-day match as the second unofficial Test ended in a tame draw on Friday.

The draw helped India A win the two-match series 1-0. Priyank Panchal made 109 (192 balls, 9x4s, 4x6s) as India A declared their second innings at 202 for three in 70 overs, thus extending their lead to 219 runs.

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Priyank Panchal
Priyank Panchal (Credits: Twitter)

He was involved in two big partnerships — 94 runs for the opening wicket with Abhimanyu Easwaran (37 off 93 balls, 3x4s) and 92 for the third with Karun Nair, who remained unbeaten on 51 (99 balls, 3x4s). Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy ended Panchal’s fine knock.

With no outright result possible, the match was called off after the home side declared their second innings with tea break in sight.

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Meanwhile, with India in search of solid Test openers, Panchal will be fancying his chances. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay are not in the scene anymore while KL Rahul also recently lost his place. India are trying out Rohit Sharma along with newcomer Mayank Agarwal in the upcoming series against South Africa. For the upcoming series, India have picked uncapped Shubman Gill as the backup opener.

However, if the experiment fail, Panchal will definitely come into reckoning and if continues his fine performance, he can very well make the cut into the Indian team soon.