Abhimanyu 'Knows What to Do if Opportunities Don’t Come', Says Kanitkar
India A head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar has heaped praise on Abhimanyu Easwaran for his unwavering motivation and professionalism, as the seasoned opener continues his long wait for a maiden Test cap.
Easwaran, who first played for India A in 2018, has now featured in 30 first-class matches for the side — more than any other player in the same period — yet remains on the fringes of the senior Test team. Despite being part of five Test squads, including the recent tour of England, the coveted debut remains elusive.
But ahead of the two unofficial Tests against Australia A in Lucknow, Kanitkar expressed confidence in Easwaran’s mental strength and readiness.
"Abhimanyu is an experienced player. He has captained Bengal and played a lot of cricket at the higher level. So there isn't much need to say a lot to him because he knows how cricket is played," Kanitkar said in a press conference.
"It was not a big challenge to talk to him because he is already prepared. He knows what to do if opportunities don't come. One good thing is that he stays very motivated to challenge himself, push himself, perform well."
Kanitkar also emphasized that Easwaran is currently in excellent batting form and in the right frame of mind, saying:
"He is batting well. He is in good form and in good touch. He is a very, very good player who has done it [for India A] many times. So I think he is ready for the challenge now. He is in a good place right now in terms of batting and the way he is managing his cricket."
Now 30, Easwaran's wait has been among the longest in Indian cricket for a Test debut, especially considering his consistent performances and presence in the India A setup. His patience and persistence have become a defining feature of his career.
Lucknow — the venue for the upcoming match — has been a particularly happy hunting ground for the Bengal opener. In three first-class appearances at the venue, Easwaran has scored three centuries, amassing 471 runs at an average of 117.75. This includes a marathon 191 for Rest of India in last year’s Irani Cup against Mumbai, and an unbeaten 127 for Bengal against Uttar Pradesh just ten days later.
Those performances led to his inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, yet the elusive Test debut remained just out of reach.
With India set to host West Indies for a Test series next month, these unofficial Tests against Australia A could prove crucial for Easwaran. He is expected to open the innings again and deliver the kind of calm, composed, and long knocks that have defined his career.
Whether the long wait will finally end remains to be seen, but for now, Easwaran continues to quietly do what he’s always done — score runs, stay prepared, and remain ready for the call that may just be around the corner.
Did You Know?
Abhimanyu Easwaran has played 30 first-class matches for India A — the most by any Indian player. The next on the list is KS Bharat, with 21.
India A vs Australia A – Fixtures
1st Four-Day Match: Starts September 17, Lucknow
2nd Four-Day Match: Starts September 25, Vizag