Selection is not in my hands; my job is to score runs: Abhimanyu Easwaran
Bengal’s talented opening batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran has been knocking Team India’s doors with consistent performances. He once again drew the attention of national selectors by hammering a century (127) against Uttar Pradesh in the recently concluded Elite Group C Ranji Trophy match.
This was his fourth century in the last nine innings, including two centuries in the Duleep Trophy. Within a span of 15 days, he scored his second century at Ekana Stadium.In the recent Irani Cup match against Mumbai, he smashed a superb 191 off 292 balls but narrowly missed out on a double century.
Overall, he has played 99 first-class matches and scored 7,638 runs at a healthy average of 49.92, including 27 centuries. However, despite his stellar performances, he has yet to receive a call-up to the national team. His next Ranji match will mark his landmark 100th first-class game, which he says he will always cherish. After the conclusion of the Ranji Trophy match against UP, the lanky Bengal opener spoke to TOI.
Excerpts:
Last year was a stop-start Ranji season for you. Because of an injury, you could only play two games. How important was this first game for you to get into rhythm, considering last year didn’t go as planned?
I wanted to make a fresh start this season. I wasn’t thinking much about last season. It was just about getting the job done for my team and applying myself at the wicket. I felt it was a bit challenging, but we played well, executed our plans.
After smashing two tons at Ekana in the last 15 days, how do you rate the wicket here?
It was a very sporting pitch, with something for everyone. Both pacers and spinners took wickets, and batsmen who applied themselves were able to score good runs. Sudip Chatterjee played really well on this surface.
You’re known for taking your time in red-ball cricket, assessing conditions, and not being overly aggressive as an opener. But in the second innings, you came out with an aggressive intent. Was that a planned approach, considering the slender lead, or what was the conversation like?
I was middling the ball well, and the conditions were a bit challenging. On a wicket like that, I feel it’s important to be proactive, and it worked for us. After getting a good partnership, we wanted to ensure we put up a decent score and then try to get them out, which unfortunately didn’t happen. That was the plan.
Can you share your cricketing journey so far?
I was born in Dehradun. My father, who was very passionate about cricket and played club cricket, inspired me. I used to watch his matches on the weekends, and that’s where my passion for the game began. Later, I moved to Bengal, and now I’m here, on the verge of playing my 100th first-class game this week.
Have you noticed any improvements in your game over the last two years?
I feel I’ve learned a lot from the India A tours because I get to play in different conditions and alongside international cricketers. There’s always something to learn, whether it’s how others prepare for a tour or how they approach their innings. That process never stops. I try to keep learning and growing.
Earlier, you were on the 2021 England tour as a standby. How was the experience of being part of the Indian team environment?
It was a great honour to be part of the Indian cricket team. I was lucky to be part of that tour, particularly the match we won at Lord’s. That was a very special game. There was a lot to learn from the senior cricketers and those performing well at the international level. I spent time chatting with them about their preparation and thought process during key innings, which was really valuable.
You’ve scored almost 8,000 runs and 27 centuries in your first-class career. Do you feel you’re just a step away from the national team?
I always focus on playing for the team’s requirements, scoring runs for whichever team I represent. As for the India call-up, that’s not in my hands. It’s up to the selectors. My job is to perform, and that’s what I focus on.
