New Delhi, June 2025 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come under fire after Bengal’s prolific run‑machine Abhimanyu Easwaran was overlooked for the opening Test of the England tour – sparking allegations of favoritism within the national selection committee.
Easwaran: The Domestic Titan
Easwaran has long been a standout in Indian domestic cricket. With over 7,600 first‑class runs at an impressive average nearing 49, including 27 centuries and a career-best score of 233, he has also captained his state and India A teams . Given this record, many expected him to feature in India’s Test-playing XI on English soil.
The Snub and the Backlash
When the Indian selectors announced the squad for the five-Test series against England, the omission of Easwaran from the playing XI for the first Test raised eyebrows. The decision has ignited a strong reaction from cricket enthusiasts and insiders, who argue that such core performers in the Ranji Trophy shouldn’t be bypassed in favour of cricketers with limited exposure at the highest level.
Is It Merits or Marketing?
Critics accuse the BCCI of being swayed by star appeal, pointing to the precedence given to players with high IPL visibility and grooming – over consistent domestic performers like Easwaran. Echoing wider criticism of the board’s selection trends, detractors argue that the system increasingly favors those with strong media presence and IPL pedigree over long-term consistency in domestic arenas .
The Selectors’ Defense
While the BCCI has not publicly addressed this specific case, past comments from selection officials — including chief selector Ajit Agarkar — indicate that team balance, pitch suitability, and future planning are key selection factors. They have earlier cited dressing room dynamics and leadership qualities alongside raw numbers .
What’s Next for Easwaran?
At 29, Easwaran is entering his prime and remains on standby for future Tests. If he continues his domestic dominance, selectors may find it increasingly difficult to ignore him, especially as India experiment with combinations on pace- and seam-friendly English wickets.
Domestic Merit vs. Brand Visibility: The Broader Debate
Easwaran’s case re-opens a long-debated issue in Indian cricket: should domestic consistency take precedence over potential and visibility? Veteran observers like Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Jaffer have frequently questioned why Ranji stars are often sidelined, arguing that Test teams must be built on consistent performance as much as on potential .
Final Word
The snub has raised a fundamental question: Is India’s Test selection being skewed by IPL-era branding and favor within the board, to the disadvantage of domestic stalwarts? As the series unfolds, selectors may face pressure to recalibrate their approach – and face questions at home if Easwaran continues to rack up runs for Bengal.
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