Debasis Sen in Kolkata
Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a regular in India’s Test squads in recent years, touring with the team to Australia and England. Despite his strong domestic record — 7,841 runs in 103 first-class matches — the 29-year-old Bengal opener is still waiting for his Test debut. Easwaran had hoped to finally get his chance during the recent series against England, particularly in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. However, the team management opted to bring back Karun Nair instead, leaving Easwaran on the sidelines once again. He must continue his wait for an opportunity to represent India.
“It is just the situation,” said Arun Lal, former India opener, to RevSportz. “See, nobody is his enemy and there is no agenda. Sometimes, there are opinions formed about a particular player. I have been a coach myself and I also have made certain errors in my opinion. It happens that some players get ignored. That happens but, in his case, it is going on for some time. It is high time that he gets a chance.”
Having watched Abhimanyu from close quarters as the coach of Bengal team, Arun Lal said, “He is a team man, a great fielder, his fitness levels are very high, and his work ethic is unrivalled – as good as any other in the country. So, without actually giving a person a chance, you cannot really assess. It is sad that he has not been given a chance.”
He further added, “On this trip, Arshdeep [Singh] was in the squad. But a player from outside of the 16-member squad [Anshul Kamboj] was flown in and played before him. I find that very difficult to understand. Maybe his (Arshdeep) form in the nets and side matches was not that good in the beginning. I was not there, so I cannot comment.”
On players with less impressive domestic records than Easwaran breaking into the Indian Test playing XI, Arun Lal said, “Obviously, people in the management should have faith in his ability. It depends on the coach, captain and chief selector, how they feel at that time and situation. I am also very perturbed. He should have been given a chance.”
So, should the selectors and team management make it clear to Easwaran that he does not fit in their scheme of things? “No, it doesn’t work like that,” said Arun Lal. “People get chances when they are in their 30s. And Abhimanyu has been a proven performer.”
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