A Tale of Talent in a Crowded Arena
The Indian men’s national cricket team is a fortress of competition, brimming with exceptional talent. For selectors, this means a constant challenge—choosing from a sea of deserving candidates while inevitably leaving out a few who have done little wrong. One such name, often overshadowed despite his consistent brilliance in domestic cricket, is Abhimanyu Easwaran.
A Name That Echoes in the Domestic Circuit
Easwaran’s journey has been one of quiet determination. A prolific run-scorer for Bengal, he has amassed over 7,600 first-class runs, including an impressive tally of 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries. His name has regularly featured in India’s Test squads, yet the elusive debut remains just out of reach. Even during India’s tour of England, Easwaran travelled with the team but did not get a single game. Meanwhile, debut opportunities were granted to players like Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair made a celebrated return to the squad.
The Emotional Toll of Near Misses
In a candid interview with Revsportz, Easwaran admitted that such setbacks do sting. “Yes, it does hurt sometimes,” he shared. “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.” For Easwaran, maintaining mental strength and focus has become as crucial as his batting form.
Grinding with Grace: Eyes on the Next Opportunity
Rather than sulk in disappointment, Easwaran has channelled his emotions into preparation. “I try to stay focused on things I can control. Work harder, train better,” he said. He also revealed he’s been working on adding new shots to his game, though keeping the details under wraps. His pride in representing Bengal remains strong, fueling his drive to keep pushing forward.
Drawing Strength from Late Bloomers
What keeps Easwaran hopeful is the success of players who made their international breakthroughs later in life. “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,” he noted. Easwaran also draws inspiration from Suryakumar Yadav, who debuted for India after turning 30 and now leads the national side in white-ball formats. “So yes, it’s always at the back of my mind—‘Why not me?’” he added.
Waiting, Working, and Hoping
At 30, Abhimanyu Easwaran is not giving up. With records that speak volumes and a mindset carved from discipline and patience, he continues to wait for the call that could change his life. In the grand theatre of Indian cricket, his story is a reminder that sometimes, the best performances happen off-stage—until the curtain finally rises.
