Take a trip down memory lane to India’s 2021 tour of England, and one name consistently lingers on the periphery of the national Test squad—Abhimanyu Easwaran. He was a standby for both the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the subsequent Test series against England, yet he never stepped onto the field. Fast forward to the Bangladesh series, and he found himself in the squad again, only to be overshadowed by KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. Even during last year’s Australian tour, Easwaran’s Test debut remained elusive. With nearly 8000 first-class runs to his name, it seems destiny has been unkind to the Bengal cricketer. But what’s holding him back? Could the England tour finally be his moment to shine? Let’s explore.
The Battle for the Top Order
The competition for the top-order batting slots in the Indian Test squad is fierce. Over the years, stalwarts like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill have dominated the top three positions. Though Rohit has retired from Test cricket, emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan have stepped into the spotlight. With Jaiswal and Rahul likely to open in the upcoming England series, Easwaran finds himself in familiar territory—waiting in the wings.
The IPL Factor: A Missing Piece?
Easwaran’s absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) might also be a factor. Since October 2023, he hasn’t played a single T20 game. While Test cricket and T20s are vastly different, the IPL offers players unparalleled visibility. The chance to perform under the spotlight against world-class bowlers can’t be underestimated. For Easwaran, who hasn’t embraced the T20 frenzy, this lack of exposure might be a hurdle in his quest for a Test spot.
A Rollercoaster Ride with India A
Easwaran’s journey with India A has been a mix of highs and lows. With over 1600 runs in the longest format, he is second only to Gautam Gambhir in India A’s red-ball cricket history. However, his struggles during the India A-Australia A series last year were glaring. Averaging a paltry 9 against bowlers like Jordan Buckingham and Nathan McAndrew, he missed a golden opportunity to stake his claim for the Test squad. Had he delivered in that series, the path to the playing XI might have been clearer, especially with Rohit Sharma’s dip in form.
A Chance to Shine in England
Despite the setbacks, Easwaran remains determined. Reports suggest he’s been rigorously practicing with the Dukes ball ahead of the England tour. Not only is he part of the main Test squad, but he’s also leading India A in their matches against England Lions. This tour offers him one more shot to impress the selectors. Facing bowlers like Chris Woakes and Sam Baker, Easwaran has the chance to turn heads and cement his place in the Test XI. As he approaches his 30th birthday, the time is now for him to seize the moment.
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