Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has openly criticized the Indian team management for not providing Abhimanyu Easwaran with an opportunity during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against Australia. Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, was included in the squad but did not feature in any of the Test matches, a decision that has sparked debate within the cricketing community.
Uthappa’s Perspective
In a recent interview, Uthappa expressed his frustration over Easwaran’s omission, stating, “He is scoring 1000 runs every year in domestic cricket. If you are playing him, then don’t give false hope to that person.” He further emphasized the importance of clear communication, suggesting that if the management does not see a future for Easwaran in international cricket, they should convey that directly to him.
Comparisons to Past Players
Uthappa drew parallels between Easwaran’s situation and that of Karun Nair, who was dropped from the Indian Test team after scoring a triple century. He remarked, “There are so many players; Karun Nair was dropped after scoring a triple century. He didn’t do well in two Tests, and he was dropped. It was a shocker.”
Easwaran’s Domestic Performance
Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a stalwart in India’s domestic circuit, consistently amassing runs and showcasing his reliability as a top-order batsman. His performances have often placed him on the fringes of national selection, leading to his inclusion in squads without substantial opportunities to prove himself on the international stage.
Team Management’s Decision
During the BGT 2024-25, with regular opener Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first Test, the team management opted to bring in Devdutt Padikkal, who was not part of the original squad, to open the innings. This decision, favoring Padikkal over Easwaran, who was already in the squad, has been a focal point of Uthappa’s criticism.
Call for Transparency
Uthappa’s comments highlight a broader issue regarding the transparency of selection policies and the communication between team management and players. He advocates for honest dialogues to prevent players from harboring false hopes about their prospects, which can impact their morale and career planning.
Conclusion
The exclusion of Abhimanyu Easwaran from playing XI during the BGT 2024-25 has reignited discussions about selection transparency and the treatment of consistent domestic performers. Robin Uthappa’s outspoken criticism underscores the need for clear communication and fair opportunities for players who have demonstrated sustained excellence in domestic cricket.