India had an impressive run in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England, finishing with a 2-2 draw under Shubman Gill’s leadership, despite missing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the batting unit performed consistently across the series, former India captain Sourav Ganguly pointed out that the No.3 position appeared slightly vulnerable. He expressed support for young batter Abhimanyu Easwaran to fill that role, following ongoing discussions about his prolonged absence from the playing XI despite being part of the squad in previous tours.

Easwaran has travelled with the Indian team to Australia and England but is yet to make his Test debut. Throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India opted for Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in the No.3 slot, leaving Easwaran on the bench. Ganguly remains confident that the Bengal cricketer will eventually find a place in the playing XI. With an impressive domestic record of 103 Ranji Trophy matches, Easwaran has scored 7841 runs at an average of 48.7, including 27 centuries, proving his readiness for the big stage.

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“He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance. I feel batters like Yashasvi, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja have all got runs. It’s only the No.3 slot that looked a bit fragile. Maybe Easwaran will be tried there,” Ganguly told to The Times of India.

Gautam Gambhir assured my son: Easwaran’s father

Sai Sudharsan, who was preferred over Abhimanyu Easwaran, scored just 140 runs in six innings at No.3, averaging 23.33 and recording two ducks. Meanwhile, Karun Nair, returning to Test cricket after eight years, managed 205 runs from eight innings at an average of 25.62. Easwaran’s father recently disclosed that India head coach Gautam Gambhir has assured his son a fair opportunity when his turn arrives. In the second unofficial Test against the England Lions, Easwaran batted at No.3, scoring 11 and 80, but is still waiting for his maiden India cap.

Easwaran will captain the East Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy, a tournament that could further strengthen his claim for a national call-up. India’s upcoming home Test season features series against the West Indies and South Africa, where the No.3 position may again come under scrutiny. With Sudharsan and Nair’s recent struggles, it remains to be seen if the selectors finally give Easwaran his long-awaited opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.