Cricketer-turned-expert Sourav Ganguly has given a massive statement regarding Abhimanyu Easwaran after the snub he faced during the five-match Test series against England. The former Bengal player has urged Easwaran to fight for the number three slot in the Tests. It's been over two years since the domestic stalwart has been overlooked, as he still awaits his Test debut.
The Bengal player was in contention to get the nod for opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, KL Rahul was backed for the role, and he delivered with a statement-making performance. However, a number three slot also cropped up during the England series. That also went begging for Easwaran, as Sai Sudarshan and Karun Nair were backed for roles in different Tests.
"Dad, I still haven't found a place," Easwaran had reportedly said to his father during the England tour.
Former India skipper Ganguly has said that Easwaran can still stake a claim in the team by competing at the pivotal number three slot, which is yet to be cemented by both Karun & Sudarshan. While the latter scored only 140 runs in six innings at a modest average of 23.33, the former tallied below 150 runs.
"He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance. I feel batters like Yashasvi, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, have all got runs. It's only the No.3 slot that looked a bit fragile. Maybe Easwaran will be tried there," Ganguly told The Times of India.
The Bengal batter has yet another chance in the upcoming domestic season to plunder runs and knock the selection door down, just as Sarfaraz Khan did last season.
'I will give a long rope' - Abhimanyu Easwaran's father reveals the message of Gautam Gambhir's to his son
Notably, Easwaran has featured in 103 first-class games, amassing 7841 runs at an average of 48.70. The veteran has also been in a leadership role for India A side for over two years, with the latest coming during a two-match unofficial Test series against England Lions, where he batted at the number three role.
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"Gautam Gambhir, when he spoke to my son, he assured him, see, you're doing the right kind of things, you'll get your turn, you'll get a long run. I'm not the one who will push you out after one or two matches. I'll give you a long rope," Abhimanyu Easwaran's father said in an interview with Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel (via India Today).
India's next Test series is scheduled to begin on October 02 against the West Indies. After the Caribbean series, the Shubman Gill-led side will face South Africa in a home Test series.
