Why does Abhimanyu Easwaran deserve a Test Debut for India? Will it come in this Series?

A new World Test Championship cycle commences for India as they face England on English soil, starting from June 20 at Headingley.

The Shubman Gill-led side will have a huge task in hand, but with the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it has brought opportunity. The fringe stars such as KL Rahul, Karun Nair will have the chance to cement their place in the squad, while Bengal's Abhimanyu Easwaran will be hoping that this series finally brings him the elusive debut cap.

There’s a clear opportunity for fresh blood. Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran, one of domestic cricket’s most consistent performers, is a name that deserves serious consideration. The Bengal batter has previously been included in the Indian side, but is yet to get that debut cap.

Domestic Consistency Backed by Numbers

Easwaran’s First-Class record is among the best in India’s domestic circuit. A player with consistent scores for seasons, Easwaran has been prolific for years, to say the least.

7,841 runs in 103 matches
Average: 48.70
27 centuries and 31 fifties

The Numbers Game in England

Easwaran’s case has only strengthened through India A's performances, especially during the tour to England just prior to this series.

1st Unofficial Test (May 30–June 2):
- 1st innings: 8 runs (lbw)
- 2nd innings: 68 (aggressive knock, reverse sweep dismissal)
2nd Unofficial Test (June 6–9):
- 1st innings: 11 (caught by Woakes)
- 2nd innings: 80 off 92 balls (instrumental in building a 184-run lead)

These knocks showcase his ability to rebound under pressure and adapt to seaming conditions—key to success in England.

Why Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves a Test Debut

Technique Tailor-Made for England

Easwaran’s classical technique, patience, and familiarity with English conditions from previous A tours and the 2021 senior tour give him an edge. He has the tools to counter England’s pace battery, led by Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue. As India A captain, he has also demonstrated leadership and mental resilience—traits valued by head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Crowded Middle Order, But a Case for No. 3

With Jaiswal and KL Rahul expected to open, and Shubman Gill locked in at No. 4, Easwaran’s best chance may be at No. 3. Former coach Sanjay Bangar has even endorsed this move. The intra-squad match on June 13 in Beckenham saw Easwaran score 39 decent runs, which may further bolster his chances.

Will Abhimanyu Easwaran get his Chance?

Easwaran has consistently outperformed flashier peers like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan in red-ball cricket. His batting credibility speaks for itself in his favour. The Bengal player deserves a chance. His numbers, temperament, and red-ball pedigree align perfectly with India’s current needs. While he may not feature in the first Test, his inclusion in the squad is more than symbolic. If performance and conditions dictate, his long-awaited debut should become reality this summer.

But will he get the opportunity? That is a big question. Gautam Gambhir and his staff will be chalking out their plans for the Test series and Easwaran's inclusion from the outside eye seems inevitable. A player with such massive numbers, cricketing skill and consistency deserves the opportunity by every means. But having said that, it's all about the team management's intuition and mentality, which shall dictate the Bengal player's fortunes. But to wrap things up, Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves his Test cap more than anyone, and he must be handed his due in this series.