IND vs AUS: Abhimanyu Easwaran’s wait for India call-up Ends; Will the Elusive Debut arrive in BGT?

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been picked in India's squad for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The five-match Test series down under will commence from November 22.

It has been a long time coming, and everyone in the Bengal cricket circuit was ecstatic when BCCI announced the Test squad against Australia. Bengal's crown jewel Abhimanyu Easwaran has finally achieved the elusive India call-up.

The 29-year-old has been a prolific player in domestic cricket. He represents Bengal and has played 99 first-class matches, scoring 7638 runs in the process. A fantastic average touching 50 with 27 centuries boasts about Easwaran's credentials in domestic cricket, but he never got any opportunity in the Indian team.

But now, Easwaran will be part of the India squad as the third opener, along with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ahead of the Tests, the Bengal player will have a chance for adept preparation as he is already part of the India A squad which has flown down under for a Test series against Australia A.

Easwaran, known for his prolific scoring, is equally potent against pace and spin. The Dehradun-born batter has been a mainstay at Bengal cricket and has also led the state. With a chunk of domestic experience behind his back, he will be expected to deliver if an opportunity arrives.

Cricket in Bengal has seen a number of India representatives in recent times. Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep have played in Tests in recent years, whereas Shahbaz Ahmed has featured in limited-overs cricket. Akash Deep has been named in the India squad against Australia while Mukesh will travel as one of three reserves.

Easwaran arrives in the India scene with an immaculate form. He has scored five centuries in the last six first-class matches, the most recent was a hundred against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. Before that, Easwaran amassed a super 191 against Mumbai in the Irani Cup, and two more centuries came off his bat in the Duleep Trophy just prior to that.

The Indian think tank will be hoping to get the best service from Easwaran. With the current form of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, especially the former, Easwaran can find an opportunity if things go south down under.

MyKhel had a chat with Bengal's former assistant coach Sourasish Lahiri a few months ago, who spoke at length about Easwaran's class and tenacity.

"The great thing about Abhi [Abhimanyu] is the way he prepares himself. His batting is no doubt superb, but the discipline and mentality he possesses is admirable. The kind of player he is, will surely do extremely well if he is picked for India. And I am sure he will be representing India very soon."

India's outing in Australia will play a pivotal part in their quest for a third consecutive WTC final. With two consecutive series wins for India in Australia, the expectations will be high from Rohit Sharma and his team. Abhimanyu may have to be patient for the elusive India cap, but if it comes, the Bengal boy knows how to pounce on that.