Domestic veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran has long been in contention for red-ball cricket, yet his performances in white-ball formats have often flown under the radar. With a batting average of 40+ in both List A and T20 cricket, the right-hander once again showcased his credentials in the shorter formats during the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Easwaran hammered a stunning unbeaten 130 off just 66 balls in Bengal’s chase of Punjab’s record 310/5. Although much of the attention was on Abhishek Sharma’s explosive first-innings show, the Bengal opener delivered a statement knock by scoring nearly two-thirds of his side’s total.
Easwaran came in during the first over and immediately counterattacked a strong Punjab bowling unit filled with IPL-tested spinners and all-rounders. He finished as one of only two Bengal batters to reach double figures, and his brilliant knock arrived at the perfect time with IPL scouts watching closely ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.
Here Are 3 Teams That Should Go After Abhimanyu Easwaran In The IPL 2026 Auction:
#3 Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR are actively searching for reliable top-order batters after parting ways with Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz ahead of the auction. With their batting group already dominated by Indian players, adding another local option would give them the flexibility to invest their overseas slots in all-rounders and bowlers for the revamped squad.
Abhimanyu Easwaran emerges as a smart value pick in this context. With plenty of playing experience at the Eden Gardens and the ability to anchor an innings, he could provide exactly the stability KKR need. His comfort at the venue might also be a hidden advantage, especially considering KKR’s struggles at home last season, where they managed just two wins in seven matches.
Even though Easwaran hasn’t played much recent T20 cricket at Eden Gardens, his vast red-ball experience at the venue still holds value. If KKR pick him in the auction and he performs well, it could finally revive their belief in backing local talent.
#2 Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have a strong and explosive top order, but their squad lacks proper backups for those positions. Last season, when Devdutt Padikkal got injured midway, they had to turn to domestic veteran Mayank Agarwal, and that decision worked out well for them. Abhimanyu Easwaran can be looked at in the same capacity, as a dependable backup for the top three.
With RCB operating on a limited purse and likely prioritising their bowling department at the auction, bringing in a proven domestic batter like Easwaran would be a smart and economical move. He has the ability to hold the innings together in a line-up full of power hitters. His presence can also allow Virat Kohli to play with more freedom instead of having to take the anchor’s role every time.
#1 Gujarat Titans
GT’s revamped batting strategy largely revolves around the strength of their top order. With Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler all technically sound and capable of shifting gears with ease, the trio has contributed most of the team’s runs. However, much like RCB, GT do not have quality backup options for them.
Even if a replacement exists in the squad, it is unlikely to mirror the same profile since players of that calibre are extremely rare in modern T20 cricket. This is where Abhimanyu Easwaran fits perfectly, offering almost everything GT would want in a reserve opener while also being affordable and not putting pressure on their already limited purse.
Easwaran’s solid technique and ability to play long, composed innings make him a reliable top-order option when required. Being an Indian player also allows GT to maintain their preferred team balance without reshuffling overseas slots if a change at the top becomes necessary.
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