Abhimanyu Easwaran, at 31, continues to lead Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, holding onto his aspiration of playing for India. Despite being included in the India Test squad during the England tour in 2025, Abhimanyu has not yet earned his international debut. Speaking after posting a crucial 56 runs for Bengal against Services, Easwaran declared, “The dream to play for the country is still there.”
While younger players have been favoured as back-up opening batsmen, Abhimanyu remains focused on capitalising on domestic opportunities. His recent performances include impressive starts in the new domestic season with significant scores for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi. His India A record boasts 1,909 runs with an average of 38.18 across 51 innings, featuring six centuries and seven half-centuries.
Though Abhimanyu sits atop both the runs and centuries charts for India A, like Priyank Panchal, he hasn’t made his Test debut. Until recently a fixture in the India A format, a poor showing against South Africa A saw him lose his place, and he was also omitted from the Irani Cup squad.
“Your role is to show up and perform for whichever side you’re representing,” reflects Abhimanyu. “Turning up every day and meeting the team’s needs is a huge challenge, but I’m relishing it and savouring my cricket.”
He remains deeply connected with Bengal, expressing, “The goal is to play for India, but playing for Bengal, that’s the groundwork. Leading Bengal is a privilege, playing for this team and its emblem, it’s thrilling. Winning the Ranji Trophy remains our primary aim, having come close last season.”
Bengal enjoys a solid start with a nine-wicket victory over Delhi, followed by a challenging game at Palam, where Abhimanyu’s 56 stood out on a spin-friendly wicket. Bengal reached the semi-finals last year, ultimately falling to champions Jammu & Kashmir.
