Abhimanyu Easwaran has been in fine form in domestic cricket lately, hitting four consecutive centuries across three different first-class tournaments.
His prolific run started in the second round of Duleep Trophy in mid-September, where he slammed an unbeaten 157, before scoring 116 in the third round. He carried the form in Irani Cup to score 191, and followed it with a valiant knock of 127 in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener.
Despite his sustained brilliance, Easwaran was overlooked by the Indian selectors for the home Test series against New Zealand, starting October 16 in Bengaluru.
In an interaction with The Indian Express, Abhimanyu Easwaran said the selectors' decision has only given him more "clarity."
"I had clarity that now I’ve to continue playing Ranji Trophy. So I just went back to my preparation and made sure that I don’t do anything different just because I didn’t get a call up. If there is something going on in my mind I have a chat with my friends or my coach and get it out of my head," Easwaran stated.
"It is a challenge for sure. Sometimes, you just want to leave everything (give up). But then you face the reality. The things that you did well in domestic cricket is what has earned you a place in the team. Just because I didn’t get an opportunity to play, doesn’t mean I have to change things. At this point it is all about keeping myself ready whenever an opportunity comes," he added.
Recently, news agency PTI reported that Indian captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, with Easwaran emerging as the front-runner to cover the opening slot for the Perth game.
Another media report has suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to take the back-up opener role in the Australia series. In fact, Gaikwad is slated to lead the India A side in an internal game against the Rohit Sharma-led team ahead of the five-Test series.
Easwaran, who is likely to feature in the India A squad, is looking forward to the contest and the tour of Australia.
"You are playing in conditions where the Test series will be played. So you have the chance to get used to it. Even if you are going to get one game, you will not feel out of place. It will give an extra advantage," he said.
