Was Abhimanyu Easwaran Dropped Due to His Father’s Strong Statements?

Bengal batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran’s exclusion from India’s 16-member Test squad for the two-match series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad, has sparked debate, with former cricketer Kris Srikkanth suggesting it may stem from his father’s outspoken criticism of the team management. Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket with over 7,000 first-class runs at an average above 45, has been a regular reserve opener for India over the past two years but is yet to earn his Test debut. His omission comes as India navigates a transitional phase in its Test batting lineup, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul set to open.

Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, pointed to comments made by Easwaran’s father, Ranganathan, following India’s 2-2 Test series draw in England earlier this year. Ranganathan publicly criticised coach Gautam Gambhir and the BCCI, alleging unfulfilled promises of a “long rope” for his son and accusing selectors of favouring IPL performers like Karun Nair over Easwaran’s superior domestic record. “I feel bad for Abhimanyu Easwaran. I think his father made some strong statements, and maybe that’s why they’ve dropped him now,” Srikkanth remarked, implying that Ranganathan’s remarks may have strained relations with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management.

Despite this, Srikkanth acknowledged Agarkar’s reasoning for Easwaran’s exclusion as “fair”, noting that India’s home series does not necessitate a reserve opener with established options like Jaiswal, Rahul, Shubman Gill, and others already in the squad. Easwaran’s underwhelming performances in India matches and tour games in Australia and England over the past year—where he averaged below 30 in key fixtures—further weakened his case, failing to impress Gambhir’s coaching staff amid fierce competition for batting spots. The 29-year-old’s absence from the squad, announced on September 25, 2025, has fuelled discussions about selection politics in Indian cricket.

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The controversy highlights the challenges faced by domestic stalwarts in breaking into a star-studded Indian lineup, where form, timing, and off-field dynamics often play a role. As India prepares to face the West Indies in the World Test Championship cycle, Easwaran’s supporters hope he can reclaim his spot through continued Ranji Trophy excellence. Meanwhile, the focus shifts to Ahmedabad, where India aims to consolidate its position with a settled top order, leaving Easwaran to wait longer for his elusive Test cap.

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