Exclusive || Abhimanyu Easwaran: Domestic stalwart, ‘asset for Team India’

“Warm the bench well, so that you value your wicket when you get an opportunity,” Mr. R.P. Easwaran has told his son, Abhimanyu Easwaran. Replacing Rohit Sharma is no joke, and 27-year-0ld top-order batter has done that on the back of his impressive performance in the domestic circuit. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s domestic stats:

Easwaran, a batting stalwart from Bengal, has accumulated 5,576 runs in 78 matches in First-Class cricket, with an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 51.51. His highest first-class score, 233 runs, came against Sri Lanka A in 2019.

Unsurprised by the national call for the Bangladesh tour, Mr. Easwaran told The Quotes that he has been expecting his son’s debut for quite some time now. Being a staunch believer of destiny, the cricketer’s father never lost hope.

“I have always told him to work hard and keep hitting the right chords. Your time will come soon,” Sr. Easwaran said in a telephonic conversation with The Quotes. 

Easwaran’s figures in domestic cricket are a testimony of his potential and talent.

In 78 List-A matches, Abhimanyu has amassed 3,376 runs at an average of 46.24 and a strike rate of 82.22. His stats in the shortest format confirm that he can score quick runs with decent consistency. In 27 T20s, Abhimanyu Easwaran has accumulated 728 runs at an average of 38.31 and an impressive strike rate of 121.53. He also has a century in the format with an unbeaten 107. 

“My son is a hard-working sportsman. He values his performance in every game, and not just believes in contribution with runs but also plays an impactful inning,” adds Mr. Easwaran. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran as a leader:

Indeed, Sr. Easwaran is not wrong. Abhimanyu is not just an impactful batter, but he is also one of the leaders, who prefers to lead from the front.

Abhimanyu recently led India A against Bangladesh A in a two-four day matches, notching up 141 and 157 in the 1st and 2nd Test matches, respectively. While the 1st match ended as a draw, India A clinched the 2nd match. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran-led Bengal had a decent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022, winning four out of six games. In his last match against Services, Easwaran smashed 122 off just 123 deliveries, ensuring a 47-run victory for Bengal.

Easwaran’s previous tour with the national squad:

In January 2021, Easwaran was among five standby players in India’s Test squad for their home series against England. 

In May 2021, Easwaran was named as one of four standby players in India’s Test squad for the final of the 2019-2021 ICC World Test Championship and travelled to England with the national team for the away Test series. 

An occasional leg-spinner, Abhimanyu Easwaran was the leading run-scorer for Bengal in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, with 861 runs in six matches, and has been handed Bengal’s captaincy ahead of the 2019-20 season, replacing Manoj Tiwary.

Hope for IPL 2023:

Meanwhile, Mr. Easwaran expects a bid from any IPL franchise in the upcoming IPL 2023 mini-auctions. “My son has performed well across all formats. If he will be given an opportunity, he will surely grab it with both hands. IPL franchises must show faith on him and provide him an opportunity,” concluded Mr. Easwaran.