Written By: Danish
Abhimanyu Easwaran's father claims IPL absence delayed his Test debut despite 7,674 FC runs at 48.87 avg: "Lack of visibility hurt his chances."
The Bengal opener boasts 101 FC matches experience across NZ, Aus, ENG & WI - yet overlooked during Rohit/Kohli/Ashwin retirements.
Came closest in Australia 2023 but 36 runs in 4 A-tour innings saw KL Rahul & Devdutt Padikkal preferred as makeshift openers instead.
Training at 5:30 AM daily with Duke balls on green wickets to mimic English conditions, plus studying all England bowlers' footage.
Leading India A vs England Lions from May 30 - a golden opportunity to impress before Test series with Gill & Sudharsan joining later.
"Abhimanyu isn't flamboyant or celebratory - his quiet consistency goes unnoticed in IPL-dominated selection culture," rues Ranganathan Easwaran.
At 29, England tour represents possibly his final shot at Test cricket with next-gen batters like Sudharsan rising rapidly.