Abhimanyu Easwaran has been showing exceptional consistency in Indian domestic cricket and is in the news once again. Bengal opening batsman Easwaran, aged 29, has been included in India’s 17-member Test team for the tour of England and is also in line to captain the India A team against England Lions.
IPL Snub and Its Effect on Abhimanyu Easwaran’s India Debut
Even with his impressive domestic record, Abhimanyu Easwaran has not yet worn the Indian Test cap. His father, Ranganathan Easwaran, feels that the absence of IPL exposure has played a significant role in his son’s slow start.
“Abhimanyu would have made his Team India debut long back if he had gotten an opportunity to play in the IPL. The tournament gives a lot of exposure. He is not a showman, does not celebrate milestones with drama that unfortunately goes against him,” Ranganathan said to TOI.
The IPL tends to be a selection platform because of its extensive viewership and competitive level. Easwaran’s non-participation in the league has, quite possibly, reduced his visibility to selectors as well as supporters, even though he possesses an impressive red-ball record.
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Imperious First-Class Record
There’s no disputing Abhimanyu Easwaran’s credentials. With 7,674 runs in 101 first-class games at an average of 48.87, the right-hand opener has well and truly established himself across varied conditions. He has played heavily in tough settings like England, Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies, providing him with a major advantage over several leading top-order rivals.
Missed Opportunity in Australia A Tour
Easwaran was close to making his Test debut during the tour of Australia. However, he failed to capitalize, scoring just 36 runs in four innings against Australia A. Even when senior opener Rohit Sharma was unavailable, the team management chose KL Rahul to open and slotted in Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3, leaving Abhimanyu Easwaran on the sidelines once again.
Intensive Preparation for English Conditions
Before the tour of England, Abhimanyu Easwaran went all out in his preparation. His father gave glimpses into the intensive training regimen of preparing for English conditions.
“Abhimanyu wakes up at 5:30 AM, gets pacers from hours, and works with two dozen Duke balls to prepare for English conditions. He’s training on wickets that have green colour and red soil to adapt to bounce and lateral movement. He’s also conditioning himself to handle spin in the latter half of a Test,” Ranganathan divulged.
This meticulous strategy highlights his commitment and willingness to make a difference if he is given the chance.
Guiding India A As IPL Playoffs Unfold
As the IPL 2025 playoffs steal the limelight, Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the India A side against the England Lions. The first unofficial Test will start on May 30 in Canterbury, around the same time as the IPL eliminator in Mullanpur. After the June 3 IPL final, top players such as Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are expected to arrive for the Northampton fixture on June 6.
Sudharsan, a member of the Test side as well, is being considered for a top-order position, further competing with Easwaran’s bid for a debut.
The Road Ahead for Abhimanyu Easwaran
As India starts a new era after the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the gate might finally be open for Abhimanyu Easwaran. With form, fitness, and experience backing him up, this might be the moment that decides his cricketing career.
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