New Delhi: Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indian domestic circuit in the last few years. However, a maiden Test cap for India continues to elude the prolific right-hander, who is currently enjoying a purple patch with the willow. Easwaran recently opened up on his non-selection in the Indian team and if he feels Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the reasons behind it.
Easwaran notched up his fourth century in a row as he slammed an unbeaten 127 for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 opener against Uttar Pradesh to help his team secure all three points. After getting out cheaply on 15 in his side’s first innings, Easwaran looked far more composed as he carved out a masterful century at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
It was 4th ton in a row for the former India A captain, who slammed an unbeaten 157 for India B in their clash against India C in the Duleep Trophy followed by 116 against India D in his side’s next game. He went on to shine in the Irani Cup for the Rest of India with a brilliant 191 and followed it up with another century against UP in Lucknow.
Despite being a consistent performer in the domestic circuit where he piled on runs at a remarkable rate, Easwaran is yet to make his Test debut for India. He has come close to earning his maiden cap twice in the last 4 years but has eventually failed to make the cut before being dropped.
Easwaran, who has never featured in the IPL, revealed if the lack of a contract in the T20 league is the reason behind his failure to make it to the Indian team. While he is a domestic run machine, no IPL franchise has shown interest in securing the services of the talented batter over the years.
“I want to play in the IPL because it is the biggest league in the world and you want to play with the best. It gives you a lot of exposure. You improve as a cricketer for sure. I’ve seen a lot of cricketers get into the IPL and come back as better players. But whether that is a disadvantage or advantage, I cannot comment on that,” Easwaran told Indian Express when asked if he felt the lack of an IPL contract is a disadvantage for him.
Abhimanyu Easwaran in contention for back-up opener slot for Australia Test series
Thanks to his incredible run in domestic cricket, Easwaran is in contention for the back-up opener’s slot in the Indian team for their upcoming Test series against Australia. However, Easwaran is expected tp face a tough challenge from the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan among others. As per a report in TOI, Gaikwad is Gambhir’s favoured candidate for the back up opener’s slot for the Australia series.
Abhimanyu Easwaran has been knocking on the selectors’ door for a while now with his consistent performances in the domestic circuit. Easwaran revealed if he felt the lack of an IPL contract is one of the reasons behind him failing to make the cut in India’s Test team. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
