Abhimanyu Easwaran (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

The story of Abhimanyu Easwaran remains one of Indian cricket’s lingering puzzles. A proven performer in domestic red-ball cricket, the Bengal opener has stacked up runs year after year in the Ranji Trophy, yet a Test debut continues to elude him. Despite being drafted into India’s squad multiple times, he has been repeatedly overlooked whenever an opportunity arises. Over 109 first-class games, Easwaran has compiled 8136 runs at an impressive average of 47.85, but that has still not translated into a place in the playing XI. Now 30, Easwaran has never featured in the Indian Premier League and hasn’t built a big reputation in limited-overs formats. Many believe this lack of white-ball exposure has worked against him, especially at a time when selectors seem to favour shorter-format performers even for Test cricket.

However, Easwaran appears determined to change perceptions. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Punjab, he blasted 130 off just 66 balls. Though Bengal couldn’t secure victory, the innings certainly drew attention, marking a rare display of T20 aggression from a player known for red-ball consistency. This knock was even referenced by former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took a sly jab at head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a recent conversation. Ashwin quipped that now that Easwaran has a T20 ton to his name, he will finally be considered for the Test side. “Abhimanyu Easwaran scored a hundred in T20 also now. Now we can get to see him for sure now. Given that he has now scored runs in T20, for sure we will get to see him in the Test team now,” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat. One critique Easwaran often faces is that he hasn’t fully capitalised on his chances in India A matches. Earlier this year, he acknowledged the disappointment openly. Speaking to Revsportz in October, he admitted that constantly missing out does affect him. “Yes, it does hurt sometimes. You put in all the effort, train hard, and the dream is to be in the middle, to perform, to contribute to wins. But I’m fortunate to have a solid support system. My family, friends, and coach help me stay grounded and motivated. Right now, I’m in a good headspace and looking forward to the Ranji season,” he said.