Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced strong support for Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, saying that his Test debut is only a matter of time. Ganguly believes Easwaran has the skills and temperament to fill the important No. 3 batting position for the Indian Test team.
The 28-year-old cricketer from Bengal has been part of the Indian squad multiple times since his first call-up in the 2021-22 season, but he has yet to play a single Test match. Despite being a regular in the squad, Easwaran has mostly warmed the bench, watching other players get opportunities ahead of him.
Missed Opportunities Despite No. 3 Struggles
During India’s recently concluded five-match Test series against England, the team struggled to find stability at the No. 3 spot. Players like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair were given chances but failed to make a big impact. Still, the selectors did not give Easwaran an opportunity.
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Sudharsan, who was tried in that position, managed scores of 0, 30, 61, and 0 in the Leeds and Manchester Tests. Even with these inconsistent performances, Easwaran was overlooked.
Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Ganguly shared his thoughts on this situation. “He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance,” Ganguly said.
“Batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja have all done well. It’s only the No. 3 slot that looked a bit fragile. Maybe Easwaran will be tried out there,” he added.
Four Years of Waiting
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s journey with the Indian team has been frustrating. Since his maiden call-up, 15 other players have made their Test debuts, while he continues to wait.
His father, Ranganathan Easwaran, has also spoken publicly about the repeated omissions. In an interview with Vickey Lalwani’s YouTube channel, he expressed both pride and disappointment. “My son is waiting for 4 years. He has put in 23 years of hard work,” he said.
“Gautam Gambhir, when he spoke to my son, assured him that he’s doing the right things and will get a long run when his time comes. He said, ‘I’m not the one who will push you out after one or two matches. I’ll give you a long rope.’ The entire coaching team assured him that he’ll get his due.”
Ranganathan believes that the England series was the perfect chance to try Abhimanyu at one down. He also pointed out that his son has plenty of experience playing on green pitches, especially at Eden Gardens, where around 30% of his matches have been played.
Impressive Domestic Record
Easwaran’s domestic career speaks for itself. He has played 103 first-class matches, scoring 7,841 runs at an average of 48.70. Known for his solid technique and patience, he often plays the role of an anchor—holding the innings together while others play around him.
His performances in the Ranji Trophy and for India A have been consistent over the years. He has scored multiple centuries and double centuries in domestic cricket, proving his ability to play long innings under pressure.
Father’s Criticism of Selection Decisions
Ranganathan Easwaran made it clear that he has no ill feelings towards Sai Sudharsan but questioned the decision-making of the selectors. “There are no second thoughts about it. No ill feelings for Sai Sudharsan. But where does he fit in? They could have tried Abhimanyu. Records speak for him. He’s a player who holds the innings for a long time,” he said.
The frustration is understandable—Easwaran has been patient, performed consistently, and even adapted his game to suit different conditions. Yet, opportunities at the international level have been hard to come by.
Ganguly’s Confidence in Easwaran’s Future
Sourav Ganguly’s backing is a big boost for Easwaran. Ganguly, who has seen many young cricketers rise during his time as BCCI President and as a mentor, believes Easwaran’s calm approach makes him a perfect fit for Test cricket.
He also stressed that the No. 3 position is one of the most important spots in the batting order. If the opener gets out early, the No. 3 batter must steady the innings. Ganguly feels Easwaran can do that job well because of his solid defensive technique and ability to bat for long hours.
A Spot Waiting to be Claimed
With India’s next Test series approaching, the debate over who should bat at No. 3 is likely to continue. If the team management decides to rotate players or give fresh faces a chance, Easwaran could finally get his long-awaited debut.
His story is one of patience, hard work, and persistence—qualities that Test cricket rewards. Many former players and experts have voiced similar opinions, saying that it’s only a matter of time before he gets his chance.
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s journey so far has been a test of resilience. Despite being in the squad for years, he has yet to walk out in whites for India. With the No. 3 spot still unsettled and strong backing from a legend like Sourav Ganguly, his opportunity may come soon.
For now, Easwaran continues to train, score runs in domestic cricket, and wait for the call that could change his career. Whether it happens in the next series or later, his determination and performances suggest that when the chance comes, he will be ready to grab it.
