Exclusive: 'Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves a chance and will be prepared to bat anywhere,' Bengal coach Saurasish Lahiri

Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves a chance to make his debut in the South Africa Test series, says Bengal coach Saurasish Lahiri.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the coveted batter from Bengal has been roped in as a replacement for injured Ruturaj Gaikwad for the Test series against South Africa. He was initially in the India A squad, but has now been slotted into the first-team squad for the two-match Test series.

The 28-year-old has been in the India setup before but is yet to get the elusive debut, and Bengal coach Saurasish Lahiri believes Easwaran deserves to get a chance in the Indian team for his performances over the past few years.

"Abhimanyu has been playing superbly in domestic cricket for the last few years in all formats. Also, his record for India A is quite excellent both in the country and overseas. So, the way he has played, he deserves a chance in the Indian team," Saurasish Lahiri said in an exclusive interview with MyKhel.

It will be tough for Easwaran to break into the first team as Rohit Sharma is likely to open the inning with Yashasvi Jaiswal. With Shubman Gill at no. 3 and then the likes of Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer on the side, it is to be seen if Easwaran finally gets his elusive Test cap.

Although Easwaran has played mainly as an opener in his career, an opportunity can open up at the no. 3 if either Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill fall short in the first match. And the Bengal coach says Easwaran won't mind batting at any other position.

"Abhimanyu has opened his whole life. But to play for India, you have to be prepared to play anywhere. A player's mindset has to be fluid, and prepared to do the best for the team. And I believe if team management gives him the opportunity, Abhi will be more than happy to play according to the requirement," Lahiri added.

The talented Bengal player is in South Africa on the back of a decent domestic run. He played three 50+ knocks for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and also scored a half-century in the intra-squad practice match in South Africa.