Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran has been waiting for his India Test debut since his first call-up in December 2022. Since then, 15 players have made their Test debuts, leaving Easwaran still on the sidelines. Although he was named as Rohit Sharma replacement during India’s Bangladesh tour, he didn’t get a game.
Moreover, Easwaran travelled to Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, yet missed out again. With Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal locking top-order places, Easwaran continues to remain a reserve option.
Ganguly Supports Easwaran’s Inclusion at No. 3
Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his support behind his fellow Bengal player. He believes Easwaran deserves a shot, especially at the currently unstable No. 3 position in India’s Test line-up.
“He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance,” Ganguly told Times of India.
In addition, he pointed out that batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja have already contributed runs. Therefore, the No. 3 spot remains the only slot looking unsettled.
“Maybe Easwaran will be tried out there,” he added.
Father Voices Disappointment Over Selection Delays
Easwaran’s father, Ranganathan, has expressed his disappointment, highlighting the long wait despite promises from the Indian team management.
He recalled assurances from head coach Gautam Gambhir, who, according to him, promised Easwaran a fair run once selected.
“Gambhir told him, ‘You’re doing the right things. You’ll get your turn and a long run. I won’t push you out after just one or two games,’” Ranganathan said in an interview with Vickey Lalwani on YouTube.
Despite that, Easwaran continues to wait.
“He’s been waiting for four years. He’s put in 23 years of hard work,” he added.
Selection of Sai Sudharsan Raises Questions
Ranganathan also questioned the decision to pick Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 during India’s tour of England.
“He should have played one down. No question about it. No ill feelings toward Sai Sudharsan, but where does he fit in?” he asked.
Sudharsan scored 0, 30, 61, and 0 in the Leeds and Manchester Tests. According to Ranganathan, Easwaran’s domestic experience makes him better suited to such conditions.
“Abhimanyu has played about 30% of his matches at Eden Gardens, which is a green track. He knows how to build innings. Records speak,” he concluded.
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