After going century-less during India A’s tour to West Indies last month, Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran made a roaring comeback in domestic cricket with a fabulous hundred in the Duleep Trophy final.

Playing for India Red against India Green, Easwaran scored 153 to put his team in a commanding position on Day 3. With this knock, the 24-year-old opener also strengthened his claim for the national call-up.

Notably, two of India’s selectors were present at the Chinnaswamy stadium as Easwaran put on a show with the bat.

“Yes, I knew they were here. They were sitting right beside the dressing room,” Easwaran told Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat. 

With KL Rahul’s poor showing in West Indies and Prithvi Shaw facing a doping ban, a Test opener is on top of the selector’s agenda and Easwaran timed his ton to perfection.

“Yes I’m ready for Test cricket,” Easwaran said. “Just want to get those runs, want to make sure I make full use of whatever opportunities I get. If the chance comes, I’m ready… I would really enjoy playing for India if I get a chance but honestly, I don’t think about selection much.”

Asked if he was under pressure after a series of low scores against West Indies ‘A’, Easwaran said: “No, I was not under any sort of pressure. I knew a big score was just around the corner.”

Reflecting on his ton in Duleep Trophy final which was laced with 16 fours and 2 sixes, the right-handed opener said: “There was some help for the bowlers with the new ball but it became slower as the day progressed. As we had bowled first on that wicket, I knew how to apply myself. Once the ball got old it was up to me to score.”

“Getting a hundred in Duleep Trophy is always special. But we’ve still got a job in our hands. First, we need to get the first innings lead and then carry on from there,” he concluded.