Abhimanyu Easwaran, one of India’s most consistent performers in domestic cricket, continues to wait for his maiden Test cap despite years of impressive form. The fierce competition within the Indian team setup often leaves several deserving players sidelined, and Easwaran is one of them.
The Bengal batter, who has repeatedly been included in Test squads but never featured in the playing XI, faced a similar fate during India’s tour of England. While he remained on the bench, others like Sai Sudharsan earned their debuts, and Karun Nair returned to the national setup.
Reflecting on his situation, Easwaran candidly admitted, “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. They help me stay grounded and motivated. Right now, I’m in a good headspace and looking forward to the Ranji season.”
Staying Focused Amid Disappointment
Despite repeated setbacks, Abhimanyu Easwaran maintains a calm and focused mindset. He believes that self-improvement is the only way forward and continues to work on refining his game. His positive outlook and relentless dedication highlight his mental toughness, a trait crucial for players navigating the uncertainties of international selection.
In his own words, “I try to stay focused on things I can control. Work harder, train better. Yes, it feels bad sometimes, but that’s natural. The only solution is to keep improving. I’m working on a couple of new shots this season. I won’t reveal which ones (laughs), but hopefully, they’ll come off well. Playing for India is the biggest motivation. Even when I play for Bengal, I feel immense pride. So, that itself lifts me up.”
Inspiration From Late Bloomers
At 30, Easwaran remains hopeful and draws inspiration from players who achieved success later in their careers. He particularly admires cricketers like Michael Hussey and Suryakumar Yadav, who proved that patience and persistence can eventually pay off.
With more than 7,600 first-class runs, including 27 centuries and 29 fifties, Easwaran remains one of Bengal’s most reliable batters. Though the national call-up remains elusive, his consistency and spirit make him a symbol of determination in Indian domestic cricket.
“I’m a big fan of Michael Hussey. Even before his Australia debut, he was consistently scoring in domestic cricket. His journey shows what perseverance can achieve. Even Suryakumar Yadav made his India debut after 30, and is now leading the team—it’s incredible. Players like them are great examples. So yes, it’s always at the back of my mind—’Why not me?'”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
