Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who earned his maiden India call-up in December 2022, didn’t get a chance to make his Test debut before being completely sidelined from the squad earlier this year.
The 30-year-old scored consistently across domestic tournaments last season, with notable innings of 127*, 191, 116, 157*, 200*, and more. He has 8136 runs in 109 first-class games at an average of 47.85, including 27 centuries.
Considering his age, Easwaran's chances to represent the country in Test cricket don't appear too bright and it seems the right-hander has now decided to make a name for himself in the shortest format, scoring 130 off 66 balls in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixture against Punjab on Sunday (November 30).
Easwaran’s knock may not have ensured a win for Bengal, but several across the country have taken note of this whirlwind display.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted this innings as he took a subtle dig at BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Ashwin stated that since Easwaran has now slammed a T20 century, he will certainly get an opportunity in the Test team
“Abhimanyu Easwaran scored a hundred in T20 also now. Now we can get to see him for sure now. Given that he has now scored runs in T20, for sure we will get to see him in the Test team now,” said Ashwin.
Abhimanyu Easwaran didn’t get a chance during the England tour even though there were injury concerns in the Indian camp and a couple of spots were left vacant after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The likes of Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair were given nod instead.
In an interview with Revsportz, Easwaran had admitted that this sort of treatment by the team management 'hurt' him.
"Yes, it does hurt sometimes. You put in all the effort, train hard, and the dream is to be in the middle – to perform, to contribute to wins. But I’m fortunate to have a solid support system: my family, friends, and coach. They help me stay grounded and motivated. Right now, I’m in a good headspace and looking forward to the Ranji season," Easwaran had said in October.
