Heaps of runs and experience in domestic cricket, leads India A on overseas tours, but Abhimanyu Easwaran is still waiting for his Test debut. Easwaran has been waiting in the wings for a long time. At this point, he almost looks like a travelling reserve as a few players have went past him in the pecking order and made their Test debuts or comebacks. The opening batter did not get a chance on England tour either as KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal did well as openers. However, former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes that the 29-year-old Bengal batter can be tried at the no.3 spot which is still undecided.
“He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance,” Ganguly said during a promotional event in Kolkata.
“I feel batters like Yashasvi (Jaiswal), KL Rahul, (Shubman) Gill, (Rishabh) Pant, (Ravindra) Jadeja have all got runs. It’s only the No. 3 slot that looked a bit fragile. Maybe Easwaran will be tried out there,” the 53-year-old wished for the batter who is nearing 8,000-run mark in first-class cricket.
On England tour, India tried two batters at no.3. Sai Sudharsan got the nod to make his Test debut despite an ordinary record in first-class cricket. After batting in the middle order, Karun Nair returned to the no.3 position as well but did not excel. Both batters scored a half-century each in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 while their teammates piled runs against an inexperienced English pace attack.
Bengal coach Arun Lal has told Easwaran to not lose hope as he believes his time will come. He lauded the batter for his fitness levels and work ethic.
“He (Easwaran) is a team man, a great fielder, his fitness levels are very high, and his work ethic is as good as any other in the country,” Lal was quoted as saying by TOI.
Easwaran with a point to prove in Duleep Trophy 2025
Easwaran scored 167 runs from four innings while leading India A against England Lions. After warming the benches, he will be seen in action at home in Duleep Trophy 2025. He will be playing for East Zone under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. East Zone are set to take on Shubman Gill-led North Zone in the first quarter-final clash, starting August 28.
Test series where Easwaran can make his debut
Easwaran will make his case for a place in the playing XI on the two-Test series against West Indies in October. Later this year, South Africa will play two Tests in India as well. The Test series opener against the reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions will be at Easwaran's homeground, Eden Gardens, Kolkata.