'Justice for Abhimanyu Easwaran' - Fans slam selectors for dropping opener from series vs West Indies, Ajit Agarkar explains decision

Published - 25 Sept 2025, 18:48 IST | Updated - 25 Sept 2025, 18:49 IST

Abhimanyu Easwaran was a part of the Indian squad during the Border-Gavaskar Test series as well as the tour of England. However, he didn't get an opportunity to make his international debut. In the last three seasons, he has been in and around the Indian Test team for the last three seasons.

After the England tour, Easwaran's father, Ranganathan Easwaran, said that India's head coach Gautam Gambhir assured his son a long rope once he makes his debut. However, fans were surprised when the 30-year-old wasn't included in India's 15-man squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies.

Some fans took to social media and opined that it was unfair for Easwaran, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, to be left out of the squad without even getting an opportunity to showcase his potential at the international level.

During the press conference in Dubai, where the team was announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, the question about Easwaran's absence did come up. The former India pacer said that a third opener wasn't needed for a home series. In case there is a need for a third opener, Agarkar said that Easwaran could be flown in.

Bumrah available for both West Indies Tests: Ajit Agarkar

"Normally, when you travel, you carry 16 or 17. You take a third opener. Here if there is an injury or something, you can always fly a guy out. Here we have an extra all-rounder in Axar Patel, who wasn't part of the England tour. We can only pick 15," Agarkar said.

"There is nothing to his story. KL and Jaiswal have done well, so we don't need a third opener in the squad. If need be, we can fly him and play a Test," he added.