Easwaran remains uncapped for India despite years of being a prolific domestic run-scorer and traveling reserve.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has sympathized with Abhimanyu Easwaran after the veteran Bengal batter was once again overlooked in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, slated to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Easwaran remains uncapped for India despite years of being a prolific domestic run-scorer and traveling reserve. He has amassed over 8,300 first-class runs at an average close to 48 with 27 centuries, but younger, flashier IPL performers or format-fluid players have consistently been preferred ahead of him in the Test playing XI.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer threw his behind Easwaran, saying that the 30-year-old deserved an opportunity and it is unfortunate if the selectors believe he is not suited to international cricket.
“The same goes for Abhimanyu Easwaran. He was on the England tour and the Australia tour. Maybe the selectors feel he isn't suited to international cricket. If that's their perception, it's unfortunate. Even then, he deserves an opportunity. If someone has scored more than 8,000 first-class runs, he obviously has quality,” Jaffer said.
“Someone who has scored over 8,000 first-class runs hasn't even got the opportunity to play a single Test match. Mohammed Shami is another name that comes to mind,” he added.
Jaffer further reiterated that Easwaran should get a chance to prove his worth at the highest level and if he fails, then it would be fair to drop him.
“He has scored consistently in first-class cricket, performed in India, and also scored runs against international-quality bowlers. So give him a few opportunities. Let him bat in two or four innings. If he fails after that, then that's absolutely fair. Even he will accept that he got his chance but couldn't make the most of it. But dropping someone without ever giving him an opportunity is, in my opinion, very unfair,” Jaffer remarked.
Abhimanyu Easwaran will next be in action in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy playing for the East Zone squad, starting on August 23 in Bengaluru.