'Bhai atleast be a water boy in IPL' - Fans react as Abhimanyu Easwaran breaks silence on his snub from West Indies tour; 'Will never give up'

Abhimanyu Easwaran (Source: Twitter)

Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran was not selected for the Indian Test team for the West Indies tour. Despite his strong performances in the domestic circuit, the 27-year-old is yet to make his debut for India. The East Zone captain in the Duleep Trophy, however, refuses to give up the fight and will turn his attention back to first-class cricket.

Easwaran has hit 5 centuries in his last 10 first-class matches. At an average of 47.9, he scored 6557 runs in his domestic career but unfortunately had to sail in the same boat as another first-class sensation - Sarfaraz Khan. Former cricketers and fans have lashed out at the Indian Cricket Board for failing to consider domestic results when selecting players for red-ball cricket.

There is disappointment, but that is how life is: Easwaran opens up about his exclusion 

Easwaran, who is currently in Bengaluru preparing for the Duleep Trophy, told India Today that he was disappointed after the squad announcement for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. However, he hopes to score more runs in the upcoming season and move closer to a maiden call-up to the national team.

"I mean, it is a little disappointing, to be honest, but again, it is about getting my focus back to where I wanted to be and my game. As a cricketer, I know how to be in the present, but they always look forward to whenever a team is announced. There is disappointment, but we cannot do much about it; that is how life is. I am trying to get my focus back on Duleep Trophy, and that I think is the most important thing for me right now. This snub has not broken my spirit at all; I am not going to give up, that's for sure," he said.

"I have always dreamt of playing for the country, winning games for my country and winning trophies for my country. I think a couple of comments and a couple of selection calls won't really change that. I am looking forward to what's next, like Duleep Trophy and in the long run my aim is to play for my country. With a passion, this big, one small snub will not make any difference," the right-handed batter added.

Here's how fans reacted to Abhimanyu Easwaran's statement: 

Keep working hard Abhimanyu, God will reward u

— arnav.🏏 (@Cricket_Arnav) June 28, 2023

That's what called strong mind,and never give up 💯💯

— Abhishek🎀 (@heyabheee) June 28, 2023

Selectors too, will not give up till they break this spirit.

— Gaurav Dubey गौरव दूबे (@dubey_gd) June 28, 2023

1) Post stories
2) Get a PR team
3) Atleast get an IPL substitute contract (even water boy would be fine)
4) Play test matches well

You will get selected into test team.

— Sankaran Baskar (@SankaranBaskar) June 28, 2023

Just keep attention seeking
Then only you will get place

— Himank (@hitmank45) June 28, 2023

No matter how you score you won't be selected until you play well in IPL

— Cricket Crazy (@CrazyinCricket) June 28, 2023

He isn't playing IPL so why to select him BCCI logic

— Prasunjha (@Prasunj90898109) June 28, 2023

सरफराज और ईश्वरन, pic.twitter.com/hrv9tsZxux

— P.E.K.K.A (@ex_gamer_45) June 28, 2023