NEW DELHI: India’s Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy campaign ended in dramatic fashion at The Oval, where Shubman Gill’s transitional side secured a 2–2 draw over England with a thrilling six-run win in the fifth Test. But while the series was a showcase of resilience and experimentation, it also left heartbreak for some in the squad — none more so than Abhimanyu Easwaran.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The 29-year-old batter, who travelled with the team for the entire five-match series, failed to make the playing XI even once, despite impressing in two India A games before the tour. As the final Test approached, injuries to key players and a shifting team combination seemed to open a door. But the call never came.
Speaking to Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, Easwaran’s father, Ranganathan Parameshwaran Easwaran, revealed his son’s frustration.“He was pissed off because he wasn’t picked. When I called him, he said, ‘Dad, I still haven’t found a place,’” Ranganathan said.Despite the snub, Easwaran quickly refocused on the domestic season. “He’ll fly to Bengaluru for Duleep Trophy prep, spend 10–12 days there, come back to Dehradun for a bit, then head back. He was disturbed, but he said, ‘I’ve lived my dream for 23 years, and not getting picked for one or two matches won’t shatter that.’”Ranganathan also disclosed a conversation between his son and head coach Gautam Gambhir that has kept the batter’s spirits high.“Gambhir told him, ‘You’re doing the right things. You’ll get your turn and a long run. I’m not the one to push you out after one or two matches.’ The entire coaching team assured him he’ll get his due,” Ranganathan said.
