India is set to begin a new World Test Championship cycle with their first match against England on June 20 at Headingley, one of the most challenging venues in the UK. With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing from the squad, fresh faces have a golden chance to shine. Among them, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Test debut stands out as a key moment to watch. The promising top-order batter now has the platform to prove his mettle on the international stage.
Easwaran has played for Bengal in domestic cricket for many years. He has consistently scored runs and remained focused on red-ball cricket. In 103 first-class matches, he has scored 7,841 runs. His batting average is 48.70. He also has 27 centuries to his name. These are excellent numbers for a top-order batsman.
Even though selectors picked him for earlier Test squads, he never got a chance to debut. But this time, things may finally fall into place. The conditions in England are tough, but Easwaran has already shown he can handle them.
Recently, he played for India A in two unofficial tests in England. He scored 68 and 80 runs in difficult conditions. These performances showed that he can deal with fast bowling and swinging deliveries. On June 13, he also scored 39 runs in a warm-up game. While it wasn’t a big score, it proved that he is still in good touch.
Easwaran plays with a calm and steady mindset. He waits for the right ball. He avoids risky shots and builds his innings carefully. That approach is perfect for Test matches, especially in England, where patience is key.
Right now, India’s top order has a gap. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likely to open. Shubman Gill may bat at number four. That leaves the number three spot open. Easwaran could fit into that position very well.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar also believes Easwaran deserves to play at number three. He praised the Bengal batter’s discipline and strong technique. Easwaran’s game is ideal for long innings under pressure.
Of course, other players like Karun Nair and Ruturaj Gaikwad are in the squad too. But Easwaran’s red-ball record stands out. He has performed season after season. He has done it across different conditions and formats.
The final playing XI for the first Test has not been confirmed yet. So there’s still a chance. If the selectors want someone dependable and experienced in tough conditions, Easwaran is the right pick.
To sum up, Abhimanyu Easwaran has done everything right. He has scored big. He has waited patiently. Now, he deserves the cap he has worked so hard for. India should give him his Test debut on this tour of England in 2024. This moment has been a long time coming, and Easwaran has truly earned it.
