Despite being overlooked by the selectors for recent Test matches, Abhimanyu Easwaran continues to push boundaries with his outstanding form. The Bengal opener has delivered consistent performances, scoring 979 runs in seven first-class games this season at an impressive average of 122. As India prepares for its upcoming tour of Australia, Easwaran remains optimistic about making his long-awaited Test debut.
Abhimanyu’s Bat Does the Talking Amid Selection Uncertainty
Though Easwaran has been in and out of the Indian squad during tours to England, Bangladesh, and South Africa, he has chosen to stay silent about selection decisions, relying on his bat to speak for him. Easwaran believes 2024 will be a breakthrough year in his career, and if given the opportunity in Australia, he aims to cement his spot in the team just like young stars Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant did with their memorable performances.
Focused Training: Perfecting Shot Selection and Sweeps
Easwaran credits his recent success to the intense effort he put into his batting technique following a hamstring injury. After two months of rehab, he focused on shot selection, strike rotation, and tackling spin, especially through sweep shots. His solid innings in the Irani Trophy reflect his improved approach to the game, blending aggression with patience.
Learning from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Easwaran’s time spent in the Indian dressing room under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has been an invaluable learning experience. He frequently watches videos of their batting to understand pitch conditions and improve his match preparation. The Bengal opener admires both Kohli and Sharma not only as captains but also as mentors who guided him during net sessions, providing crucial tips that helped him perform better in India A games.
Facing Bumrah: A Challenge Even in the Nets
In an exclusive interaction, Easwaran admitted that facing Jasprit Bumrah during net practice is no less challenging than a real match. Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball both ways with the same bowling action keeps even seasoned players on their toes. Easwaran revealed that Bumrah maintains his intensity throughout the practice sessions, making it an excellent opportunity to sharpen skills against one of the world’s best pacers.
Bengal’s Fast Bowling Legacy Thrives Under Easwaran’s Leadership
Bengal has produced several talented fast bowlers in recent years, including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Ashok Dinda. Easwaran has had the privilege of captaining them during domestic tournaments. Rising star Akash Deep, who has impressed with his performances, credits Easwaran for supporting him and believes that Bengal’s focus on pace bowling will continue to thrive under his leadership.
Strategy for Australia: Focus on the Ball, Not the Bowler
Looking ahead to the challenging Australia tour, Easwaran shared that his focus will be on reading the ball from the hands of bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, rather than worrying about their height or reputation. Confident in his preparation, Easwaran hopes to make a strong impact if given the chance to don the Indian jersey in the Test series.
Easwaran’s unwavering commitment to improvement and his hunger for opportunities reflect his determination to succeed at the highest level. With the right platform, he hopes to convert his domestic success into international achievements.
