Bengal opener and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran says he’s not concerned about talks regarding his selection as a standby player instead he will grab the chances when it comes to him.
Abhimanyu Easwaran was the only batsman who found a place in the list of standby players for India’s tour. The 25-year-old however, had earlier been in Team India’s bio-bubble during the four-Test series against England at home.
Talking about his selection former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh said that he’s surprised with Easwarn’s selection in the squad.
"I am surprised with Easwaran's selection. I thought Prithvi Shaw is an experienced player at the international level and has played the Tests. He is currently in form also. He should have been included. I would have even thought of Devdutt Padikkal because you need to reward domestic performances too," Sarandeep Singh told IANS.
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Replying to this, Abhimanyu Easwaran said that he doesn’t want to comment on it as everyone is entitled to his opinion. He added that it’s a big thing for him as representing his country at the higher level is itself a motivation.
"Everyone is entitled to his opinion. But I don't want to comment on it or even react to it. This is really a big thing for me. I have experience of playing overseas. I have represented India 'A' team. Representing your country at the highest level is already enough of a motivation," Abhimanyu Easwaran told IANS.
Easwaran said that he’s prepared for every single game even though he’s a standby player. He admitted that English conditions are challenging for batsmen but he has worked with his coach on some adjustments.
“I am prepared for every single game, even though I am among the standby players. I will be ready when I am called upon. I know the conditions are challenging for batsmen in England but as players, we have to enjoy these challenges.
“It is about battling and believing in yourself. The English conditions require some adjustments on which I had been working with my coach. I have to be disciplined with my approach, if and when I get a chance to play. That will be the key because there will be a lot of movement," he said.
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Abhimanyu Easwaran further credited Rahul Dravid for guiding him.
"Rahul Dravid has taught a lot of things. The best part was that he gave me a lot of confidence. He asked me to be prepared for different conditions and gave me insights into how to tackle different situations," he concluded.
Team India will face New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship final, which will be played from June 18-22, with 23rd being a reserve day. After that the Virat Kohli-led side will engage in a five-match Test series against England, starting 4th August.
(IANS inputs)
