Abhimanyu Easwaran Scores 191: Ignored Talent Shines Again in Irani Cup

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a beacon of consistency in Indian domestic cricket. His last seven first-class innings with three centuries rightly justifies the adjective. In the ongoing Irani Cup, he scored 191 runs in 292 balls while chasing Mumbai's mamoth total of 537 runs.

Easwaran reached the score, striking 16 fours and a six. He missed out on a double century by just nine runs. This innings alone showcased not just his talent but his resilience, as he almost single-handedly kept the Rest of India in the game.

Despite his impressive track record, Easwaran remains uncapped at the international level. He was part of the Test squad in 2022 when Rohit Sharma was injured but did not make the playing XI. However, he has been on standby for tours and series but never got the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage.

Domestic cricket is considered the initial stairs for international cricket. With 26 centuries in first-class cricket and an average of over 48, it has sparked questions about the board's prolonged ignorance towards him.

Consistency in Domestic Cricket

Easwaran’s consistency in the domestic circuit is evident. Since his breakout season in 2018-19, where he scored over 800 runs in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 95, he has been a top performer for Bengal.

His knack for accumulating runs has placed him among the leading run-getters in the Indian domestic landscape. He finished as the second-leading run-scorer in the Duleep Trophy, amassing 309 runs at an average of 77.25. 

His performances have been pivotal in guiding his team through challenging situations. For example, his recent innings against Mumbai highlighted not only his ability to score runs but also his leadership qualities.

He shared a crucial partnership of 165 runs for the fifth wicket with Dhruv Jurel, showcasing his ability to build innings and support his teammates. Such performances should have made him a prime candidate for the national team. Yet the selectors have overlooked him time and again.

A Test Debut Long Overdue

Easwaran’s absence from the Indian Test team has been raising eyebrows. With him being consistent in the Irani Cup, fans are now vocal, showing his stats. He has been part of several squads but has yet to earn his debut cap. 

He has faced challenges in making it into a star-studded batting lineup. With players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma often occupying the top order, Easwaran has had to wait for his chance.

However, when it comes to sharing the statistical line up with the seniors, he is second in line. With 26 test centuries, Easwaran is behind Pujara.

Most hundreds in first-class cricket since Abhimanyu Easwaran's debut (among Indians)  
40: Cheteshwar Pujara 
26. Abhimanyu Easwaran 
25: Virat Kohli 
25. Priyank Panchal 
23. Hanuma Vihari

The Road Ahead

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s journey reflects the plight of many talented cricketers in India. He remains a shining example of brilliance, often overshadowed by established stars. However, with consistent performances, he is knocking on the door of the Indian team. His fans remain hopeful for a breakthrough.

As Easwaran continues to impress, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates his international debut. It’s time for selectors to recognize and reward talent like his. With a strong domestic record and the ability to perform under pressure, Easwaran's moment may finally come.

For now, he remains a testament to the saying that talent alone doesn’t guarantee recognition; persistence and timing play their roles too.