Shreyas Iyer’s Test comeback blocked: India told to give No.3 spot to 103-match veteran for West Indies series

Shreyas Iyer’s Test comeback blocked: India told to give No.3 spot to 103-match veteran for West Indies series

Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly Endorses Abhimanyu Easwaran for India’s No. 3 Spot After Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly recently weighed in on India’s performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 after a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. The five-match Test series was a significant moment for Shubman Gill, who led the young Indian cricket team following the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

The Search for a Reliable No. 3 Batsman

Despite a strong and settled batting lineup, the Indian team continues to struggle to find a reliable player for the crucial No. 3 spot. Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan, who were given chances during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, failed to impress in England. As India gears up to face the West Indies in a two-match Test series in October, discussions have emerged about recalling Shreyas Iyer for the No. 3 position.

However, Ganguly opposes the idea of bringing back Iyer to the Test lineup. Instead, he advocates for giving Abhimanyu Easwaran a chance in the West Indies series. Easwaran, who has been waiting for his opportunity since being called up for tours against Bangladesh, Australia, and England in 2022, has yet to make his Test debut.

Ganguly believes that Easwaran could potentially fill the void at No. 3, which was the only weak spot in India’s batting lineup during the England tour. The former Indian captain expressed his confidence in Easwaran, stating, “He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance.”

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Credentials

Abhimanyu Easwaran boasts an impressive record in domestic cricket, having played 103 first-class matches and scored 7,841 runs at an average close to 49. He has also captained the India ‘A’ team regularly. In a recent match against England Lions, he scored 11 and 80 runs while batting at No. 3 in the second unofficial Test.

The 29-year-old batter has accumulated 31 fifties and 27 centuries in his career. For India A, Easwaran has registered seven half-centuries and six centuries in red-ball cricket, amassing a total of 1,865 runs at an average of nearly 40. Despite his consistent performances, Easwaran is yet to earn his maiden cap for the Indian cricket team.

Looking ahead, Easwaran is set to lead the East Zone team in the upcoming 2025 Duleep Trophy. His father recently revealed that Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has assured Easwaran of a fair opportunity to prove his worth when the chance arises.

With Ganguly’s backing and a strong track record in domestic cricket, all eyes are on Abhimanyu Easwaran as he aims to solidify his position in the Indian Test team and make an impact in the upcoming series against the West Indies.

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Technical Proficiency

One of the reasons why Sourav Ganguly is advocating for Abhimanyu Easwaran to take on the crucial No. 3 position in the Indian Test team is his technical proficiency as a batsman. Easwaran’s solid technique and temperament make him well-suited for the challenges of Test cricket, where patience and the ability to build an innings are essential.

Known for his compact and organized batting style, Easwaran has the ability to weather the storm during tough periods and anchor the innings when the situation demands. His sound defensive technique combined with the ability to capitalize on loose deliveries makes him a well-rounded batsman capable of adapting to different conditions.

Moreover, Easwaran’s calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to concentrate for long periods bode well for his prospects in Test cricket. These qualities are crucial for a No. 3 batsman who often faces the new ball and sets the foundation for the rest of the batting lineup.

The Importance of Consistency in Test Cricket

Test cricket is a format that demands consistency and resilience from players, especially in challenging conditions away from home. The No. 3 position is traditionally considered one of the most crucial in Test cricket, as it requires a batsman of high caliber who can stabilize the innings and build partnerships with the openers.

Given India’s recent struggles to find a reliable player for the No. 3 spot, the selection of Abhimanyu Easwaran could bring much-needed stability to the batting lineup. Easwaran’s track record of scoring runs consistently in domestic cricket showcases his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when the team needs it the most.

In the grueling environment of Test cricket, where every run is hard-earned and every session is a test of skill and endurance, having a dependable No. 3 batsman like Easwaran can make a significant difference in the team’s overall performance. His presence in the middle order could potentially strengthen India’s batting unit and provide the stability required to succeed in Test matches.

Easwaran’s Mental Strength and Determination

Aside from his technical prowess, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s mental strength and determination are key attributes that set him apart as a promising candidate for India’s No. 3 position. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, stay focused during challenging situations, and maintain a positive mindset are essential qualities for succeeding in the high-pressure environment of international cricket.

Having worked tirelessly to earn his place in the Indian Test team, Easwaran’s hunger for success and his unwavering dedication to his craft have been evident throughout his career. His perseverance and commitment to improving his game have not gone unnoticed by cricketing experts and former players, who recognize his potential to excel at the highest level.

As Easwaran prepares to make his Test debut and potentially cement his place in the Indian team, his mental fortitude and determination will be tested in the crucible of international cricket. If he can harness his inner strength and channel it into his performances on the field, he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian Test lineup for years to come.

Conclusion

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s journey from domestic cricket to the brink of representing India in Test matches is a testament to his skill, dedication, and perseverance. With the backing of former captain Sourav Ganguly and a strong track record in first-class cricket, Easwaran stands on the cusp of fulfilling his long-cherished dream of playing Test cricket for his country.

As the Indian team prepares to face the West Indies in the upcoming Test series, all eyes will be on Abhimanyu Easwaran as he aims to make an impact and stake his claim for a permanent spot in the team. With his technical proficiency, mental strength, and consistent performances in domestic cricket, Easwaran has the potential to become India’s answer to the long-standing conundrum of the No. 3 position in Test cricket.

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