What Did Gautam Gambhir Promise Abhimanyu Easwaran In England?

Abhimanyu Easwaran has now been part of the Indian Test set-up for several years, yet the wait for his debut continues. During this period, many players have earned their Test caps, but Easwaran - despite an impressive first-class average of nearly 50 in 103 matches - is still awaiting his opportunity.

The 29-year-old was included in India’s squad for the recently concluded five-match series in England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. However, once again, he couldn’t find a place in the playing XI. On the positive side, Easwaran did get a chance to speak with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who assured him of a fair run in the side once he breaks into the XI.

In a conversation with Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, Easwaran’s father, Parameshwaran Easwaran, revealed: "My son will fly to Bengaluru to prepare for the Duleep Trophy. He'll spend 10-12 days there, return to Dehradun for a few days, and then head back.

“He was disturbed after not being picked for the fifth Test - he was expecting that call. I told him, 'Son, you have lived your dream.' He replied, 'I understand. I've lived my dream for 23 years, and not getting picked for one or two matches won’t shatter that.'

"He was pissed off because he wasn’t picked. When I called him, he said, ‘Dad, I still haven’t found a place.’"

Currently, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have established themselves as a successful opening pair. However, the No.3 spot could be up for grabs, with Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair yet to cement their positions.

Easwaran is part of the East Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025, and a strong performance there could strengthen his case for a Test debut in the upcoming home season. India are scheduled to play two Tests each against West Indies and South Africa in October and November.

"Gautam Gambhir, when he spoke to my son, he assured him see you 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,” Parameshwaran added.

“That's what my son communicated to me. The entire coaching team assured him that he'll get his due, he'll get his long run. That's the best I can say. My son is waiting for four years. He's put in 23 years of hard work.”