Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran has toured with the Indian Test team twice and has also taken on the leadership role for India ‘A’ multiple times. However, Easwaran, the prolific run-scorer for Bengal in domestic cricket, is still waiting for the elusive Test cap. As the Ranji Trophy begins on October 11, India’s search for a back-up opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will intensify, especially with its selection on the horizon. Despite an impressive record of 7506 runs in 98 first-class games at an average of 47.65 coming in over a decade, Easwaran’s desire to represent India in Tests remains rock-solid.

“I want to stay in the present, but that is not really easy at times. But again, you just remind yourself as to what is there in your control. I try and focus on one day at a time. The dream has always been to play for the country.

“You always want to be in that squad, play for the country, and win games for India. That is always the dream. But that is going to happen when it has to happen. For now, I just want to focus on Ranji Trophy and make sure I do well for Bengal,” says Easwaran in an exclusive conversation with IANS.

Following his successful recovery from a left hamstring injury, Easwaran made scores of 13 and 4 in first round of the Duleep Trophy. He hit his stride by achieving scores of 157 not out, 116, and 19 in the following two rounds, before smashing a remarkable 191 in the Irani Cup match against Mumbai. Easwaran identifies the practice of controlling the controllables as his method for earning the Test cap.

“To play for the country has always been my dream and then to win games for India, I’ve always thought about that, and do some visualizing of it as well. But at the end of the day, that is not in my hands. All I can do is try and improve as a cricketer and get better every single day; try and play whatever situations I get. Just try and make my team win whether I play for my state or in the Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, and India ‘A’ team.

“So that is what I try and do it by keeping things really simple. The dream is there, but again selection is something which is not in my hands. So I can just control the things which I have in control – that is how hard I work, look forward to the games, and prepare for it. So those are things I look to focus on. It’s easier said than done, but I try to do that,” he adds.

Even though Easwaran has yet to be awarded the Test cap, he reminisces about his involvement in the team, with the standout memory being India’s exceptional victory over England at Lord’s in 2021.

“The Shami-Bumrah partnership, which took us into a great position to win a game and then we had 60 overs to get them all out to win at Lord’s. It was after a long time that India beat England at Lord’s; so it was a very special game. I really enjoyed it, as it’s one of the best memories I’ve had on cricket.”

Easwaran gained valuable insights from observing the dedicated preparation of senior batters Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara before matches. “The type of preparation every individual does there is really specific. It’s about what they want from practice sessions also – they keep it that specific. They have their own game plans and how specifically they practice for that was really great to watch.”

The ‘A’ tours have played a crucial role in India’s success in Tests by facilitating a seamless transition of players to the international level. According to Easwaran, the ‘A’ tours, which will take place again prior to the Test team’s departure for Australia, allows players to familiarise themselves with playing in foreign conditions.

“I feel it’s a great bridge between domestic cricket and international cricket, because you’re playing against a lot of international cricketers, in different conditions, and sometimes in overseas conditions, which gives you a lot of exposure. You’re learning a lot about your game and overseas conditions, so it is a great learning process. I’ve learned a lot out of these tours.”

“I’ve played a lot against many international greats, and have been lucky in that ways to learn a lot from them. Obviously as a captain, when you’re leading your country at any level, it is an honour to do that, and I’ve really enjoyed doing that by winning a lot of series. I’ve been really proud when I’ve led my team, and won, as well as learnt a lot from that.”

A game that Easwaran fondly remembers was when he had to step up for India ‘A’ in the second game against England Lions at Mysuru in 2019, which the hosts won by an innings and 68 runs.

“I hadn’t had a good first game, as I got out for 13 (31) in the first game (at Wayanad). I wasn’t sure if I was going to play the next game or not. We played on a turning track and we wanted to test ourselves in those conditions. The pitch was a little challenging, and I got a hundred in that game. I had a big partnership with KL Rahul, which I really enjoyed and got to learn a lot during that innings.”

Despite the interruption of rain for two consecutive days in the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur, India showcased an astonishing performance by unleashing a flurry of boundaries and declare at 285/9.

The Rohit Sharma-led side eventually chased down 95 on day five to secure a remarkable victory. Easwaran kept tabs on the thrilling proceedings in Kanpur and lauded the Indian team’s aggressive intent to force a win.

“That is the beauty of Test cricket right? There will be times when you have to play out an hour to draw a game, but at the same time, there will be a time when you have to play out a session to draw a game or probably when the wickets doing a lot, you have to play out the new ball.

“But at the same time, when you’ve lost two days and then to see that intent from the Indian team to go out there and bat that way and push it for a result, it was great to watch. Then to come back and get Bangladesh out again, it was a really special Test match for Indian cricket.

“The intent was outstanding; I loved watching that game, and people will remember this game for a very long time. If there is anything my team needs from me (in terms of batting aggressively), I’m up for it.”

According to Easwaran, the value of Test cricket will remain intact, as World Test Championship points are at stake in every match, regardless of the increasing popularity of T20 leagues.

“The future of red-ball cricket is great because I feel with the World Test Championship coming up, every Test match is more like a World Cup game. Like, every game holds its own importance for every single team, whether you play at home or away, whether you play against the top team or you play against the team at number 10 – every single game is important. So that is a great initiative by ICC to have it.

“Here, first-class cricket has been the core of Indian cricket because we’ve seen a lot of players coming out from here representing India in different formats and doing so well. It also builds a lot of character and helps a player understand a lot about himself as a person and obviously about his game as well. So, red-ball cricket will keep going like this and a lot of people will keep watching it, I’m sure.”

India could miss the services of skipper Rohit Sharma during one of the first two Test matches in Australia due to personal reasons which have communicated to the BCCI. The Indian team will embark on tough five-Test series in Australia starting November 22 in Perth and there is a possibility that Rohit could give either the first or the second game in Adelaide (December 6-10) a miss. “There isn’t any complete clarity about the situation. It is understood that Rohit has intimated to the BCCI that there is a possibility that due to a pressing personal matter, he might have to skip one of the two Tests at the beginning of the series,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“In case, the personal issue is sorted before the start of the series, he might play all five Tests. We will get to know more in coming days,” he said.

The 37-year-old Rohit played both the home Tests against Bangladesh. India will next host New Zealand for a three-Test rubber starting October 16.

In case Rohit misses a Test match in Australia, the in-form Abhimanyu Easwaran is likely to be his cover although Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are also players with enough experience in the opening slot.

Easwaran will also be in Australia with the India A team which he is supposed to lead.

However, there is no word who the vice-captain of the Test team will be as there was no official deputy for Rohit during the recent home series against Bangladesh.

“I think we need to understand that we have got a lot of IPL captains in this team. When you talk about the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, hopefully a Yashasvi (Jaiswal) going forward.

“There are a lot of players who have led their franchises,” Abhishek Nayar told the media on the eve of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur.

There are three candidates for the role — Rohit’s white ball deputy Gill, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has led India in a Test in England, and keeper-batter Rishabh Pant.

“I wouldn’t look at them as youngsters anymore. Yes, they are youngsters in terms of age and the amount of cricket they have played. But, I think overall, mentally and in their development as a cricketer, I think they have the leadership qualities that are required. You don’t need to have a vice-captain that should be designated,” Nayar had stated when asked about the red-ball vice-captaincy.

“I think overall, the thought process of these youngsters is of a senior player. It’s of someone who has played a lot of cricket.”

Rest of India (RoI) batter Abhimanyu Easwaran missed out on what would have been a well-deserved double century on Day 4 of the Irani Cup final against Mumbai in Lucknow. However, Easwaran was angry at himself as he was dismissed on 191 runs of 292 balls, smashing one six and 16 fours. The incident happened on the 103rd over of RoI’s innings which was bowled by Shams Mulani. Easwaran tried to sweep the ball after Mulani flighted it outside leg. However, the ball ballooned off the top edge and Tanush Kotian took an easy catch at short leg.

Easwaran was visibly angry at himself, mainly due to his shot selection, as he was just nine runs away from reaching his double.

HUGE Wicket Alert

Shams Mulani gets the big wicket of Abhimanyu Easwaran (191), who misses out on his double ton by 9 runs!

A magnificent innings from Easwaran

2 wickets in 2 overs for Mulani #IraniCup | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Follow the match https://t.co/Er0EHGOZKh pic.twitter.com/U4XQot1FeV

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 4, 2024

In response to Mumbai’s 537 in the first innings, RoI showed great resistance, courtesy Easwaran’s 191, to reach 416.

India star Dhruv Jurel also hit a impressive 93 while rest of the RoI batters failed to impress.

On Day 3, RoI took quick wickets as Mukesh Kumar took Mohammed Juned’s wicket to end the innings at 537.

Sarfaraz stayed unbeaten on 222 in 286 balls, with 25 fours and four sixes. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (97 in 234 balls, with seven fours and a six) and Shreyas Iyer (57 in 84 balls, with six fours and two sixes) had stabilised the innings when Mumbai was reduced to 37/3.

Tanush Kotian (64 in 124 balls, with six fours) and Shardul Thakur (36 in 59 balls, with four boundaries and a six) also delivered fine contributions.

Mukesh (5/110) was the top bowler for ROI. Yash Dayal and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each. Saransh Jain got one scalp.

(With PTI Inputs)

In-form opener Abhimanyu Easwaran sent a timely reminder to the national selectors with his third successive hundred while holding the Rest of India innings together after Mumbai posted a mammoth first-innings score of 537 in the Irani Cup here on Thursday. Easwaran compiled an unbeaten 151 off 212 balls, and laced his innings with 12 fours and a six on the third day of the match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Thanks to Easwaran’s second Irani Cup hundred, RoI reached 289 for four in their first innings and reduced the deficit to 248 runs by stumps.

The 29-year-old Bengal cricketer, who finds himself in a three-way race with RoI teammates Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan to book the slot in what could be a jumbo squad as India’s reserve Test opener for the upcoming long tour of Australia, reached his century in 117 balls with a boundary off Mohit Avasthi.

This was Easwaran’s third successive first-class hundred this season and came at a time when his team needed it the most, having lost skipper Gaikwad (9) cheaply.

Sudharsan got a start but could not capitalise on it, getting dismissed after making 32 in 79 balls with the help of nine boundaries.

Devdutt Padikkal, too, failed to make a contribution of note and was sent back by pacer Mohit Avasthi for a 31-ball 16.

Ishan Kishan, the next man in, also missed out on a great chance to impress the people who matter.

The flamboyant Kishan made 38 off 60 balls before being dismissed by Avasthi, which left RoI at 228 for four.

Easwaran was involved in three useful partnerships — 87 runs for the second wicket with Sudharsan, a 70-run stand for the fourth wicket with Kishan and a 61-run association for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who was batting on 30 off 41 balls at close of play.

Easwaran, who led the India B side in the Duleep Trophy last month, finished second on the run-scoring charts with 309 runs, including two hundreds.

This was Easwaran’s fourth century of the season, which also includes a double ton against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy last February.

Even as he amasses runs in the domestic circuit, Easwaran’s competition with his challengers will continue when they tour with the India A side to Australia later this month.

Easwaran has consistently been among the top run-getters for Bengal in the domestic circuit, and he enjoyed his breakthrough season in 2018-19 when he amassed over 800 runs in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 95 plus.

He was part of standby list during India’s tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21 and also featured in the squad for the Test series against England in 2021 and 2022. However, the senior Bengal pro is yet to make his India debut.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai could add only one run to their overnight score of 536 for nine before getting bowled out, with double centurion Sarfaraz Khan remaining not out on a monumental 222.

Mukesh Kumar was the most successful bowler for RoI, returning figures of 5/110 after bowling 30 overs.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 1st Innings 537 all out in 141 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 222 not out, Ajinkya Rahane 97, Mukesh Kumar 5/110, Yash Dayal 2/89, Prasidh Krishna 2/102) vs Rest of India 1st innings 289/4 in 74 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 151 batting; Mohit Avasthi 2/66).

India B opener Abhimanyu Easwaran continued to bat confidently as he scored a defiant century to guide his team to 309 for 7 against India C, which still looked in control to enforce a follow-on in their Duleep Trophy match on Saturday. Despite Easwaran’s unbeaten 143, India B trail India C by 216 runs and require 66 more runs to avoid a follow-on with just three wickets in hand. India C had scored a mammoth 525 in their first innings with Ishan Kishan scoring a century. The Day 3 of the tie belonged to the India B skipper, who scored a patient 262-ball 143 amid a procession of wickets with India C pacer Anshul Kamboj’s five-wicket haul (5/66 in 23.5 overs) bringing Easwaran’s team on its knees.

Undaunted by the fall of wickets at the other end, Bengal batter Easwaran kept frustrating the India C bowlers, though he still has work to do on Sunday to avoid a follow-on.

Commencing the day at 124 for no loss with Easwaran (overnight 51 not out) and Narayan Jagadeesan (overnight 67 not out) holding fort, India B were rattled quite early when Kamboj struck in only the fourth over of the morning session.

The 23-year-old Haryana pacer, who had played a few matches for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last season, got rid of the dangerous Jagadeesan who added just three runs to his personal score, getting the Tamil Nadu batter caught by wicket-keeper Abhishek Porel for 70, thus breaking the 129-run partnership.

Kamboj then had brothers Musheer and Sarfaraz Khan cheaply for 1 and 16 runs respectively before accounting for hard-hitter Rinku Singh (6) and Nithis Kumar Reddy (2) to completely destabilise India B.

At 194 for 5, things looked bleak for Easwaran’s side, but the skipper took it upon himself to shore up his side amid some hostile bowling by Kamboj. He stitched together a 43-run partnership with Washington Sundar (13) and then a 46-run stand with Sai Kishore (21) to repair the damage.

At stumps, Rahul Chahar (18 not out) was giving Easwaran company but with just three wickets left, it could be a difficult task for India B to avoid a follow-on.

India C skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad could even decide against enforcing a follow-on, given tomorrow is the last day of the contest and they are assured of three vital points on the basis of first innings lead.

However, if Gaikwad enforces the follow-on and wins the match, his team will earn six points.

India B vs India C Day 3 LIVE Score, Duleep Trophy 2024© X (Twitter)