Abhimanyu Easwaran is yet to make his India debut [Source: @easwaranabhimanyu1/instagram.com]
Abhimanyu Easwaran knows the taste of waiting all too well. The Bengal opener has spent years on the fringes of Team India carrying drinks, warming the bench and watching others take the field; yet, even after missing out on the squad for the India vs West Indies Test series, his spirit remains unbroken.
The 30-year-old, who has been part of several Test squads without getting a debut, will now turn his focus to leading Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. And despite the setback, Easwaran’s optimism shines through who is quietly determined to make his moment count.
Easwaran’s honest confession
In an interview with Revsportz, Easwaran opened up about the pain of waiting for his India cap but made it clear he’s not letting disappointment take the wheel.
“Yes, it does hurt sometimes. You put in all the effort, train hard, and the dream is to be in the middle — to perform, to contribute to wins. But I’m fortunate to have a solid support system: my family, friends, and coach. They help me stay grounded and motivated. Right now, I’m in a good headspace and looking forward to the Ranji season,” Easwaran said.
Those words sum up a player who has been around the block long enough to know that patience is part of the grind. Fifteen players have made their Test debut since he first entered the setup, but Easwaran isn’t sulking, he is preparing.
Drawing inspiration from late bloomers
At 30, Abhimanyu Easwaran finds strength in the stories of those who bloomed late, the kind of players who turned rejection into rocket fuel. And two names stand tall in his mind: Michael Hussey and Suryakumar Yadav.
“Absolutely. I’m a big fan of Michael Hussey. Even before his Australia debut, he was consistently scoring in domestic cricket. His journey shows what perseverance can achieve. Even Surya [Suryakumar Yadav] making his India debut after 30 and now leading the team — it’s incredible. Players like them are great examples. So yes, it’s always at the back of my mind — ‘Why not me?” he added.
Those words carry both fire and faith. Easwaran knows the road to an India cap isn’t easy, but he is not ready to throw in the towel. Instead, he’s taking a leaf out of Surya’s book: score runs, stay patient and let destiny do the talking.
Bengal’s captain with unfinished business
Easwaran will now lead Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, where runs, not hope, will do the talking. He has been a pillar in domestic cricket: technically sound, mentally solid and hungry for that one big break.
If cricket has taught anything, it is that comebacks are sweeter than debuts. And Abhimanyu Easwaran, with all the calm of a monk, looks ready to script his own.