Latest news with #Easwaran
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
ENG vs IND: Abhimanyu Easwaran overlooked, fans blame IPL favouritism
Abhimanyu Easwaran's wait for a Test debut continues, as he was once again left out of India's playing XI for the opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, on Friday, June 20. Instead, the Indian team management opted to hand a debut to Sai Sudharsan, who was slotted in at the No. 3 position as India kicked off a new era under captain Shubman Gill. Easwaran, 29, has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and was first included in the Indian squad during the 2022 tour of Bangladesh. However, despite being part of the squad multiple times since, he is yet to break into the playing 11. Easwaran performing well in domestic cricket The Bengal batter was in red-hot form last season, scoring heavily in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Cup. His notable knocks included 127*, 191, 116, 157*, 200*, among others. In 103 first-class matches, Easwaran has amassed 7,841 runs at an impressive average of 48.70, including 27 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Fans sensing IPL favouritism Despite his consistent performances, the selectors chose to back 23-year-old Sai Sudharsan, who has played 29 first-class games, scoring 1,957 runs at an average of 39.93 with seven hundreds and five fifties. Sudharsan also had an outstanding run in IPL 2025, where he claimed the Orange Cap with 759 runs in 15 innings. While Sudharsan's current form may have influenced the decision, the move drew mixed reactions from fans online, many of whom voiced their disappointment over Easwaran's continued exclusion. All eyes will now be on Sudharsan to see if he can capitalise on this opportunity and make a strong impression in his debut Test.
India Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran: Ex-cricketers back experience over potential
India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant has already clarified the batting order for himself and captain Shubman Gill. However, one major question remains: who will occupy the crucial No. 3 spot?Over the years, stalwarts like Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid have defined what it means to bat at No. 3-anchoring the innings, facing a bulk of deliveries, blunting the new ball, and laying the foundation for the middle order to the current squad, the contenders for that role appear to be the experienced Abhimanyu Easwaran and the in-form youngster Sai Sudharsan. The 23-year-old Sudharsan, a stylish left-hander from Tamil Nadu, is coming off a stellar IPL season, where he won the orange cap (most runs) while Easwaran has remained on the fringes-often away from the domestic scene due to regular stints with India A and periodic call-ups to the senior former cricketers believe it's time India backed experience over promise and handed Easwaran a long-awaited opportunity. Among them is former India batter Mohammed Kaif, who voiced his support on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Easwaran's consistent run in first-class cricket deserves recognition at the highest also expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan, despite his impressive performances in practice matches. He urged the selectors not to repeat the same mistake with Easwaran, emphasising the importance of rewarding sustained domestic Easwaran deserves to be in the playing XI before Sai Sudarshan. Easwaran's 27 first-class hundreds, almost 8k FC runs, need to be respected. By dropping Sarfraz, someone who scored runs for India A in England, the selectors made a mistake. They shouldn't repeat it by keeping Easwaran out of the Leeds Test," Kaif former cricketer-turned-coach WV Raman offered a different perspective. Instead of batting at No. 3, he believes the Bengal veteran should be slotted at the very top of the Kaif, Raman expressed frustration over Easwaran's limited opportunities and feels that the current situation presents the ideal chance for him to finally make his mark in Test cricket."Let's not forget that Easwaran has been getting runs much higher than him over a long period. We have had Easwaran as a part of the squad. We are not playing him. And that is again creating a lot of dilemmas when the next selection comes up. We will have to try and reward him fully in the sense that there is no point picking him in the squad," Raman said in an interview with the Times of India."There is a vacant slot at the top of the order. And here you have, on the other hand, you have a player who has been opening right through his life, who has got runs almost every season. And then you pick him in the squad. When there is an opening slot which is vacant, you don't use him. I think we need to first answer that particular bit," he or Sudharsan - the question is likely to linger right up until the toss. Whether the final call proves to be the right one remains to be seen. Easwaran could finally be handed his long-awaited Test debut, or the team management might opt for Sudharsan with an eye on the Test at Headingley will certainly shed some light on what the management is thinking in the post-Rohit-Kohli era. Must Watch
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First Post
10 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
Former Indian cricketers send warning to Gambhir, Gill against ignoring Easwaran: 'They shouldn't repeat the mistake'
There's a lot of suspense around India's possible batting order for the first Test against England at Leeds. Amid all this confusion, former Indian cricketers have sent a warning to the Team India management against ignoring Abhimanyu Easwaran. read more Former Indian cricketers Mohammed Kaif and WV Raman have sent a warning to Team India management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, against ignoring Abhimanyu Easwaran for Sai Sudarshan in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, that starts on Friday (20 June). Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has also picked Abhimanyu Easwaran in his predicted playing XI of the Indian Team for the first Test against England, but he feels one out of Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudarshan will play. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tamil Nadu's Sai Sudharsan, 23, had a great Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, scoring 759 runs for Gujarat Titans and as per reports, leads the race to bat at No.3 while captain gill is set to bat at No.4. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open for India at Leeds. Former Indian cricketers send warning to Gambhir, Gill Former Indian cricketers, however, are backing domestic cricket veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran. The 29-year-old Bengal batter is yet to make his India debut, but he has 7,841 first-class runs in 103 matches. He also scored two fifties against England Lions recently, while Sudharsan didn't play in those matches. Former middle-order batter Kaif took to social media to send a warning to Gambhir, saying that Easwaran 'deserves' to be included ahead of Sudharsan, as he is a domestic cricket star and has also performed well in matches against England Lions. Kaif also cited the example of Sarfaraz Khan to make his case. 'Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves to be in the playing XI before Sai Sudarshan. Easwaran's 27 first-class hundreds, almost 8k FC runs need to be respected. By dropping Sarfaraz, someone who scored runs for India A in England, selectors made a mistake," Kaif said on X. 'They shouldn't repeat it by keeping Easwaran out of Leeds Test.' Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves to be in the playing XI before Sai Sudarshan. Easwaran's 27 first-class hundreds, almost 8k FC runs need to be respected. By dropping Sarfraz, someone who scored runs for India A in England, selectors made a mistake. They shouldn't repeat it by keeping… — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 19, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Former Indian team opener WV Raman feels the team has a vacancy in the top-order and Easwaran is the right fit for it, given his experience. 'No, let's not forget that Easwaran has been getting runs much higher than him over a long period of time. We have been having Easwaran as a part of the squad. We are not playing him. And that is again creating a lot of dilemma when the next selection comes up. We will have to try and reward him fully in the sense that there is no point picking him in the squad. We don't have, let's say, a player who has opened in the past, who is willing to open,' Raman told Times of India. 'There is a vacant slot at the top of the order. And here you have on the other hand, you have a player who has been opening right through his life, who has got runs every season almost. And then you pick him in the squad.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | India Playing XI: Who will be included in Shubman Gill-led Indian team for Headingley Test? Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has also shared his views on X. He shared his predicted XI in which he slotted Sudharshan and Easwaran for the No.3 spot. Jaffer did not clarify who he wants to play but made a subtle case for Easwaran. My India XI for First Test: 1. Jaiswal 2. KL 3. Easwaran/Sai 4. Gill 5. Pant 6. Nair 7. Jadeja 8. Shardul/Kuldeep 9. Prasiddh 10. Bumrah 11. Siraj What's yours? #ENGvIND — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 18, 2025 He also feels India can include spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. However, reports of a green pitch suggest that Team India could go in with only pacers.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Selectors shouldn't repeat the mistake': Mohammad Kaif warns Gautam Gambhir ahead of 1st Test; all eyes on India's playing XI vs England
India coach Gautam Gambhir during a nets session. (Photo by) NEW DELHI: As India gear up for the opening Test of the five-match series against England at Headingley, Leeds, all eyes are on the playing XI. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having stepped away from red-ball cricket, this tour signals a new era under the youthful leadership of Shubman Gill . Among the front-runners for the pivotal batting position is Sai Sudharsan, whose explosive IPL form and fearless stroke play have catapulted him into national reckoning. However, veteran domestic performer Abhimanyu Easwaran stands as a compelling alternative. With nearly 8,000 first-class runs and 27 centuries to his name, Easwaran represents a tried-and-tested option in swinging English conditions. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif weighed in strongly on the matter. Taking to social media, Kaif cautioned head coach Gautam Gambhir not to overlook proven performers. 'Abhimanyu Easwaran deserves to be in the playing XI before Sai Sudarshan. Easwaran's 27 first-class hundreds, almost 8k FC runs need to be respected. By dropping Sarfaraz, someone who scored runs for India A in England, selectors made a mistake. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Didcot: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo They shouldn't repeat it by keeping Easwaran out of Leeds Test,' Kaif wrote on his official X account,' Kaif wrote. There's also buzz around Dhruv Jurel, who impressed during India A's recent assignments and could offer dual value as a wicketkeeper-batter, depending on team balance. In English Test conditions, more than just recent form, it's adaptability, patience, and grit that count. Each session can present a new challenge — be it cloud cover, seam movement, or late swing. For India's emerging talents, this series is not just about runs and wickets, but about showing character. Poll Do you agree with Mohammad Kaif's opinion on including Easwaran in the starting XI? Yes, he deserves a chance No, I prefer Sudharsan Not sure, need to see performances Both should play India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav England Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes IND vs ENG Test Series Schedule: 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord's, London 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
NDTV
a day ago
- Sport
- NDTV
BCCI, Gautam Gambhir Told To Reward Overlooked Star Over Sai Sudharsan: "Forget..."
There has been a lot of chatter over whether Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair will play together for the Indian cricket team in the upcoming Test series against England. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both announcing their retirements, a new-look batting line-up is expected for India with many players finding opportunities. However, former India cricketer WV Raman believes that the team management should instead reward Abhimanyu Easwaran with an opportunity. In an interview with Times of India, Raman said that Easwaran has been quite consistent and he should be rewarded along with Karun Nair in the upcoming Test series. "No, let's not forget that Easwaran has been getting runs much higher than him over a long period of time. We have been having Easwaran as a part of the squad. We are not playing him. And that is again creating a lot of dilemma when the next selection comes up. We will have to try and reward him fully in the sense that there is no point picking him in the squad. We don't have, let's say, a player who has opened in the past, who is willing to open." "There is a vacant slot at the top of the order. And here you have on the other hand, you have a player who has been opening right through his life, who has got runs every season almost. And then you pick him in the squad." When there is an opening slot which is vacant, you don't use him. I think we need to first answer that particular bit. Again, we have got somebody who is making a comeback after a long period of time. And then he is not a spring onion now. He is into his 30s. He is experienced. He is also in the best of form," he said.
