India's squad for five-match Test series against England includes Abhimanyu Easwaran, who's been a silent performer over the years in domestic cricket, piling on runs with impressive consistency. The 29-year-old cricketer is yet to make his Team India debut, falling short just when it all seemed certain to click. Easwaran could've been picked in the lineup during the 2018 tour of England, where he led the India-A side. However, Hanuma Vihari was preferred instead by the selectors.
Easwaran was further picked in the national squad on four more instances, with India's 2024-25 tour of Australia the most recent of them all. However, Devdutt Padikkal was preferred ahead of the Bengal batter. The upcoming England tour provides a glorious opportunity for Easwaran to end this agonising wait, considering the chance to impress in Rohit Sharma's absence as well as the opportunity to lead India A.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"Abhimanyu would've made his Team India debut long back had he got a chance to showcase his prowess in IPL. The tournament makes a big difference due to greater visibility. Abhimanyu is not a flamboyant player and doesn't run around the ground after scoring centuries. These things go against him. Abhimanyu has been a solid performer which is evident from his tally of 7,674 runs in 101 first-class matches at an average of 48.87. His experience across conditions in New Zealand, Australia, England and West Indies further sets him apart from other contenders," said Abhimanyu's father Ranganathan Easwaran in an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
The 29-year-old cricketer is following a specialised routine to prepare for English conditions in Dehradun, with express pacers from Delhi bowling tirelessly using duke balls.
Who's that IPL player?"Abhimanyu wakes up at 5.30 AM and spends hours facing pacers. We've organised two dozen duke balls to ensure no gap in preparation. He's batting on a green wicket with red soil because the bounce enables him to prepare extensively for English conditions. Abhimanyu is also engaging in specialised training to face spinners on the fourth or fifth day. He is studying every bowler in the English setup to handle every situation," said Ranganathan.
Facing the number of disappointments as Abhimanyu can break down the strongest of spirits. However, the Bengal batter continues to battle it out with determination. Well, why wouldn't he, considering he idolises none other than 'The Wall' Rahul Dravid.
"Abhimanu says, 'Not selecting me results in an even important thrust. Instead of banging the door, I have to break it. How can anyone shatter my dream just like that?'. His journey has stretched over 23 years, considering my son began playing cricket at six. I also motivate Abhimanyu by urging him to take inspiration from soldiers who train daily for war-like situations and stay mentally prepared for anything," said Ranganathan.
"His regime is also very strict like soldiers, with focus on hitting the bed by 9.30-10 PM. Abhimanyu doesn't have a girlfriend. All that will have to wait till he achieves his dream of playing for India," he added.
Gujarat batter Aarya Desai, who's been a friend of Abhimanyu for more than 10 years, highlighted his mamba mentality.
"I've seen him push through everything. Nothing can disturb Abhimayu's preparation. One of the wallpapers on his phone is that of the Indian Test cap, which showcases what it means to him," said Aarya.
"People labelled Abhimanyu as a slow batter who can't smash it big. He simply refuses to pay heed and focuses on scoring runs," added the Gujarat batter.
Ex-Indian selector Saba Karim has termed Abhimanyu as the perfect candidate to open for India, considering his technique. A solid display for India A could well lead to louder calls for his selection.
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