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Srikkanth blames Easwaran's father for India snub after anti-Agarkar remark

Soumyajit Dutta

Kris Srikkanth, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Ajit Agarkar [Source: @Surbhi_yadav/X.com]Kris Srikkanth, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Ajit Agarkar [Source: @Surbhi_yadav/X.com]

The exclusion of Abhimanyu Easwaran from India’s Test squad for the West Indies series has raised eyebrows, with former selector Kris Srikkanth suggesting off-field factors may have influenced the decision. 

The Bengal opener, a long-time backup in the setup, was omitted from the 16-member squad despite the team’s ongoing transition in the batting department. While consistent domestic form had kept him in contention, moderate returns in recent A-team fixtures appear to have tilted the scales against him which hindered him from earning his maiden Test cap in the national jersey.

Srikkanth points to parental comments as possible factor

The former India opener expressed sympathy for Abhimanyu Easwaran while hinting that strong public statements made by the batter’s father regarding the selection panel head by Ajit Agarkar following the England tour may have impacted the selection decision.

"I feel bad for Abhimanyu Easwaran. I think his father made some strong statements (after England), and maybe that's why they've dropped him now,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Easwaran’s father, Ranganathan, had previously voiced frustration over his son’s continued absence from the playing XI during the England series, questioning the selection criteria and comparing his case to other players who received opportunities. Srikkanth's take addresses the fact that Ranganathan's statements might have hurt Agarkar which also led to the snub.

Agarkar’s selection logic deemed sound

Despite the speculation around Easwaran’s omission, Srikkanth acknowledged that the selection committee’s reasoning regarding team composition was logically sound given the conditions and available resources.

“But Ajit Agarkar's reasoning on not needing a reserve opener at home was fair,” concluded Srikkanth.

The selection panel appears to be prioritizing flexibility, with multiple top-order batters in the squad capable of filling opening slots if required. The first Test against West Indies begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad, marking India’s first assignment in the new WTC cycle.