In the intricate world of professional cricket, talent and hard work are often just the entry ticket. The real game, it seems, is played off the field, where whispers carry more weight than centuries, and a father`s heartfelt plea can inadvertently become a cricketer`s greatest hurdle.
The Perpetual Standby: A Promising Career in Limbo
Abhimanyu Easwaran`s name has, for several years, been synonymous with the phrase “on the cusp.” A prolific run-scorer in Indian first-class cricket, his statistics paint a picture of a consistent, dedicated batsman. With 7,841 runs from 103 matches at an impressive average of 48.70, Easwaran isn`t just knocking on the door of international cricket; he`s practically built a mansion next to it. He received his maiden call-up to the India squad in 2021-22, a moment of immense pride and expectation. Yet, since then, fifteen other players have donned the coveted Test whites for India, while Easwaran remains in the shadows, an ever-present reserve, but never quite the main act.
One can only imagine the psychological toll of such proximity to a dream. To be part of the squad, travel with the team, practice with the best, and watch from the sidelines as others make their debuts. It`s a testament to his mental fortitude that he continues to pile on the runs in domestic cricket, maintaining an unshakeable belief in his eventual breakthrough.
A Father`s Fury: When Silence is No Longer an Option
However, not everyone possesses the same stoicism. For Abhimanyu`s father, Ranganathan Easwaran, the repeated omissions became an unbearable burden. After India`s tour of England, his frustration boiled over into a public outcry, a rare and often risky move in the disciplined world of professional sports. He spoke of broken promises, specifically mentioning former cricketer Gautam Gambhir`s assurances to his son of a “long run” if selected. He highlighted Abhimanyu`s 23 years of dedication, asking a poignant question: how much longer must one wait?
“My son is waiting for 4 years. He`s put in 23 years of hard work,” Ranganathan Easwaran lamented, questioning the logic behind selection decisions and implicitly challenging the team management`s judgment. He even pointed to other players, citing their perceived lack of experience on certain pitches compared to his son`s proven track record.
It was a father`s protective roar, a desperate attempt to advocate for his son in a system that often seems opaque and unforgiving. But in the rarefied air of international cricket selection, such public displays, however well-intentioned, can be interpreted in ways that are less than ideal.
The Unintended Consequence: A Delicate Dance of Influence
Enter Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a member of India`s 1983 World Cup-winning squad and a seasoned voice in cricket commentary. Srikkanth, while acknowledging the official reason provided by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar – that the team management “don`t need a third opener at home” – couldn`t help but connect the dots. He publicly suggested that Easwaran Senior`s “strong statements” might have played a part in his son`s subsequent omission from the squad for the West Indies Test series.
It`s a classic conundrum: when does parental support cross the line into professional interference? While a father`s passion is understandable, public criticism of selectors or team management can inadvertently create a perception of a player (or their camp) being difficult to manage, or worse, entitled. In an environment where team harmony and a `no drama` ethos are paramount, even a justified complaint can be viewed as an unwelcome distraction.
The Silence of the System: Beyond Bat and Ball
Agarkar`s explanation, though seemingly logical in isolation, leaves room for speculation. The need for a “third opener” is indeed debatable depending on team strategy. However, the timing of Easwaran`s exclusion, following his father`s vocal disapproval, adds a layer of complexity that goes beyond mere cricketing logic. It highlights the unwritten rules of the game: perform well, yes, but also navigate the intricate political landscape with grace and, crucially, silence.
Abhimanyu Easwaran`s saga is a poignant reminder that the journey to an international cap involves more than just talent and runs. It requires patience, an understanding of the unspoken codes, and perhaps, a quiet conviction that performance alone will eventually speak loudest. For now, the talented opener remains on the bench, not just of a cricket team, but of a wider, often frustrating narrative about ambition, advocacy, and the peculiar pressures of the Indian cricketing dream.
This article delves into the dynamics of cricket selection based on reported events and commentary. Views expressed are analytical and explore the broader implications of such incidents.
