Ashwin’s Scorching Take on a Domestic Giant Ignored
It’s a story that’s become all too familiar for followers of Indian domestic cricket: immense talent, staggering consistency, and yet, the doors to the Test arena remain firmly shut. Enter Abhimanyu Easwaran, a name that echoes through the corridors of the Ranji Trophy but is strangely absent from the Indian Test lineup. Now, cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind the Bengal stalwart, delivering a sharp, sarcastic dig at the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee that has everyone talking.
Table of Contents
- The Abhimanyu Easwaran Dilemma: A Domestic Colossus
- Ashwin’s Scathing Critique of the Selection Panel
- The T20 Century That Sparked the Debate
- What’s the Holdup? Analysing the Selection Conundrum
- Conclusion: Will Easwaran Get His Shot?
- Sources
The Abhimanyu Easwaran Dilemma: A Domestic Colossus
For years, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been the epitome of a dependable opener in India’s first-class circuit. His resume is nothing short of stellar. With over 7,500 runs in 98 first-class matches at an average hovering just under 50, and a remarkable 27 centuries to his name, he has proven his mettle time and again .
He’s not just a participant; he’s a leader. As the captain of Bengal, he’s spearheaded their charge in the Ranji Trophy, and his credentials for India A are equally impressive, with 1,662 runs from 26 matches . Despite being a regular in the India A setup, a call-up to the senior Test side has remained a frustrating mirage.
Ashwin’s Scathing Critique of the Selection Panel
The latest snub appears to have been the final straw for Ashwin. Following Easwaran’s explosive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ashwin took to social media with a dose of heavy sarcasm that was impossible to miss.
His now-viral comment cut straight to the heart of the controversy: “Abhimanyu Easwaran scored a hundred in T20 also now. Now we can get to see him for sure now. Given that he has now scored runs in T20, for sure he’ll play Tests,” . This was a clear, pointed jab at the selection committee’s apparent logic—or lack thereof—that seems to prioritize versatility in the shortest format over proven excellence in the longer, more demanding version of the game.
The target of Ashwin’s frustration is widely understood to be the current chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar’s panel has faced intense scrutiny for a series of bold and, at times, controversial decisions, from captaincy changes to the persistent overlooking of top domestic performers like Easwaran .
The T20 Century That Sparked the Debate
What triggered Ashwin’s outburst was a breathtaking innings by Easwaran himself. In a recent Group C match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Punjab, the Bengal opener unleashed a stunning, unbeaten 130 off just 66 balls, laced with 13 fours and 8 sixes .
This wasn’t just any knock; it was a statement. It shattered the narrative that he is a one-format player and proved his ability to adapt and dominate at a rapid pace. He even became the first batter from Bengal to score multiple T20 centuries . Yet, instead of being hailed as a complete cricketer, his T20 success was met with the same old silence from the national selectors, prompting Ashwin’s now-famous retort: a T20 hundred is apparently the new, absurd benchmark for Test selection.
What’s the Holdup? Analysing the Selection Conundrum
So, why is Abhimanyu Easwaran still waiting in the wings? Several theories are doing the rounds:
- The Logjam at the Top: With established stars like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, the opening slots have been fiercely competitive. However, with Rohit’s Test retirement, a window has clearly opened.
- The ‘X-Factor’ Myth: Selectors often seem to hunt for a mysterious ‘X-factor’—a flair or a certain style of play—that they believe Easwaran might lack, despite his rock-solid technique and temperament.
- Commitment to the Longest Format: It’s possible the panel questions his long-term commitment or sees his game as better suited to domestic conditions. However, his extensive India A experience should have dispelled any such doubts .
The BCCI has shown faith in Agarkar’s leadership, recently extending his contract as chief selector until 2026 . But this faith is now being tested by the glaring omission of one of the country’s most consistent performers. The situation raises a critical question that goes beyond just one player: is the current selection process truly rewarding sustained excellence in the domestic circuit?
This debate is part of a larger conversation about the health of Indian cricket’s feeder system. For more on how other nations nurture their Test talent, you can explore how the ICC supports player development pathways. You can also read our deep dive into the evolving structure of Indian domestic cricket and its impact on player selection.
Conclusion: Will Easwaran Get His Shot?
Ravichandran Ashwin’s public backing of Abhimanyu Easwaran is more than just a comment from a senior player; it’s a powerful indictment of a system that seems to undervalue its most dedicated servants. Easwaran’s career is a testament to patience, hard work, and unwavering consistency. His recent T20 fireworks have only added another layer of frustration to his case.
While the selectors have their reasons, the cricketing public—and now, one of India’s greatest spinners—is demanding answers. The clock is ticking on Easwaran’s prime years. It’s time for the Ajit Agarkar-led panel to look beyond the noise and recognize a talent that has, for far too long, been ready for the challenge of Test cricket.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘He scored a hundred in T20… now he’ll play Tests’: Ashwin takes sharp dig at Agarkar
- Ranji Trophy 2024-25 stats and records for Abhimanyu Easwaran .
- R Ashwin’s comments on Abhimanyu Easwaran’s selection .
- Details of Abhimanyu Easwaran’s T20 century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy [[35], [37]].
- Background on Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee tenure [[30], [24]].