My main aim remains to play for India

As Abhimanyu Easwaran gears up for a potential spot in India A’s squad for the upcoming Australia tour, his focus remains unwavering on one goal: representing India at the highest level. The 29-year-old opener, who has been in stellar form, recently expressed his aspirations and reflected on his journey so far.

100th First-Class Match for Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran was preparing for a milestone in his cricketing career—a century in his 100th first-class match during Bengal’s Ranji Trophy game against Bihar. However, due to an unfortunate downpour, the day’s play was abandoned, leaving Easwaran to wait for his chance to reach the cherished three-figure mark. The conditions were reminiscent of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match cancellation last month, as even the toss was delayed despite sunny skies.

Reflecting on this moment, Easwaran said as per TOI, “It makes me feel special. It’s been a long journey, and I did not even realise that I had played so many FC matches.” However, while milestones hold significance, the opener’s mind remains on a bigger goal.

“My Aim Remains the Same – To Play for India”

Despite his recent successes, including four centuries in his last four first-class matches, Abhimanyu Easwaran remains focused on his ultimate ambition. “It was good to enjoy the journey. But my aim remains the same—to play for India,” he remarked. Easwaran is currently seen as a strong candidate to be the reserve opener for India’s series against Australia next month, though he remains grounded, stating, “Yes, I also get to hear those murmurs. It feels nice to be thought of likewise. But I always concentrate only on my next match.”

Journey to the Top: Consistency and Patience

Easwaran’s career has been a testament to persistence. With 7,638 first-class runs to his name, the Dehradun-born cricketer has built a reputation for playing long innings and converting starts into big scores. “I like to stay on the wicket and look to convert my starts,” he explained, showcasing the maturity of a seasoned opener.

Although Easwaran has been on the fringe of national selection for some time, he remains patient. “Things happen differently for different people. So I don’t brood about when my turn will come, but rather keep doing my job,” he said, reflecting on the varying paths that cricketers take to reach the national team.

Gaining Experience and Building Friendships

Over the years, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a key member of India A and other domestic teams. He credits these experiences for helping him grow as a cricketer. “I have learnt a lot by sharing the dressing room with different people. I tried to learn how they prepare and how they approach a match. It’s good that I have made a lot of friends too,” he shared.

With the Australia tour approaching, all eyes will be on Easwaran as he looks to make his mark once again. But for him, the goal remains clear and constant: a place in the Indian national team.