Summary
Introduction
The selection dynamics of the Indian cricket team have once again stirred up a storm, following the unexpected debut of B Sai Sudharsan in the first Test against England at Leeds. This decision, which came at the cost of experienced domestic run-machine Abhimanyu Easwaran, has triggered widespread outrage among fans, former cricketers, and analysts alike. Questions about BCCI’s selection policy, the influence of IPL over domestic performance, and the merit-based system are once again under the scanner.
In this comprehensive analysis, we dive deep into the India vs England 2025 Test series, highlight the controversial exclusion of Abhimanyu Easwaran, and explore why this move has created such a stir in the cricketing fraternity.
The Controversial Selection Call
As India began its five-Test tour of England, all eyes were on the opening combination. With Rohit Sharma out due to injury, the selectors faced a decision between the seasoned domestic stalwart Abhimanyu Easwaran and the IPL breakout star Sai Sudharsan. To the shock of many, Sudharsan was handed the cap.
What fueled the outrage was not just the selection, but the timing and circumstances:
- Easwaran has averaged over 50 in domestic cricket for multiple Ranji seasons.
- He’s been a regular part of the India A setup, facing international-level bowlers successfully.
- Despite receiving his maiden call-up in 2022, Easwaran remains uncapped in Tests.
On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan, although a talented southpaw, has played only a handful of first-class matches and has built most of his reputation on the back of IPL performances.
Sudharsan’s Short-Lived Debut
The pressure of a Test debut is immense. Sudharsan’s first outing lasted only four balls. He was dismissed for a duck by England captain Ben Stokes, who trapped him with a delivery going down the leg side. Jamie Smith, England’s wicketkeeper, took a brilliant diving catch, sending Sudharsan back to the pavilion.
It was a sobering reminder that Test cricket is an entirely different beast, and the transition from T20 success to the red-ball format requires more than just flair—it needs grit, temperament, and experience.
Fans Slam BCCI for Favoritism and IPL Bias
Twitter and other social media platforms erupted with criticism. Hashtags like #JusticeForEaswaran, #BCBIFavouritism, and #SayNoToIPLQuota began trending shortly after the playing XI was announced.
Here’s a sample of the sentiments:
- “Another domestic warrior ignored. What message is this sending to the Ranji performers?”
- “Sudharsan is talented, no doubt. But Easwaran has earned this opportunity over years of toil.”
- “BCCI has turned Team India into IPL India.”
This isn’t the first time BCCI has been accused of favoring IPL performers over domestic consistent players. But the magnitude of backlash this time is particularly significant due to the optics—an in-form domestic veteran overlooked for a player with fewer red-ball credentials.
Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Unsung Hero of Indian Domestic Cricket
Easwaran’s numbers speak for themselves:
- Over 6000 first-class runs
- An average above 50
- Multiple centuries against quality bowling in tough conditions
- Successful tours with India A, including centuries against New Zealand and South Africa A
The 29-year-old Bengal captain is known for his technical solidity, patience, and ability to grind bowlers down—all key attributes for a Test opener. Despite these qualities, his Test cap remains elusive.
Many former cricketers, including VVS Laxman and Wasim Jaffer, have voiced support for Easwaran, calling his exclusion “inexplicable” and “disheartening.”
Is IPL Performance Overrated in Test Selection?
The BCCI’s recent trend of promoting IPL breakout stars into the national Test setup raises some serious questions:
- Are selectors under pressure to capitalize on current form instead of long-term development?
- Is the IPL’s marketing clout influencing decisions meant to be purely meritocratic?
- Are we undermining the value of the Ranji Trophy and India A tours?
While T20 and white-ball cricket require different skill sets, red-ball cricket is a test of character. Sudharsan may very well evolve into a fine Test player, but parachuting him into a tough overseas tour, especially over an experienced candidate, may not be the right call.
India vs England 1st Test – A Mixed Start
India’s opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked promising. Both scored 42, taking India to 92/2 by Lunch. However, the loss of Rahul and Sudharsan just before the break allowed England to claw back.
Notably, the English bowling attack was without legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad, relying instead on Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, and Ben Stokes. On a relatively easy Headingley pitch, India should have been in a stronger position, highlighting how every wicket—especially that of an opener—matters.
Comparison – Abhimanyu Easwaran vs B Sai Sudharsan (Red-Ball Stats)
| Player | First-Class Matches | Runs Scored | Batting Average | 100s/50s | Highest Score | India A Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | 88 | 6270 | 49.80 | 19/25 | 233 | Yes (multiple tours) |
| B Sai Sudharsan | 14 | 860 | 41.00 | 2/5 | 179 | Limited |
India vs England 1st Test – Day 1 Key Moments
| Session | Key Events | Score | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Hour | Jaiswal & Rahul steady start | 72/0 | 0 |
| Before Lunch | Rahul out (42), Sudharsan out (0) | 92/2 | 2 |
| Bowling Highlight | Ben Stokes dismisses Sudharsan on debut | – | – |
| England Bowlers | Woakes, Tongue, Stokes, Carse (No Anderson/Broad) | – | – |
Easwaran’s India A Performances (Last 3 Years)
| Opponent | Runs Scored | Match Location | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa A | 141 | Bloemfontein | 2021 | Draw |
| New Zealand A | 132 | Bengaluru | 2022 | India A Won |
| Bangladesh A | 85 & 53 | Sylhet | 2023 | India A Won |
Long-Term Implications for Indian Cricket
The Sai Sudharsan-Abhimanyu Easwaran episode might seem like a single selection controversy, but it speaks to a larger issue in Indian cricket. If domestic cricket ceases to be the main proving ground, and IPL continues to overshadow long-format grind, we risk weakening our Test team bench strength.
Players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane weren’t made in the IPL—they earned their stripes in Ranji Trophy wars and India A tours. Abhimanyu Easwaran is cut from the same cloth.
What Should the BCCI Do?
- Transparent Selection Policies – Clear criteria that prioritize red-ball performance for Test selection.
- Rotation and Rest Policy – Creating opportunities for deserving domestic players when senior stars are rested.
- Longer India A Tours – Ensuring players like Easwaran face international conditions regularly.
- Respecting the Ranji Trophy – Making it the central pillar of selection, not a backup league.
Conclusion
The exclusion of Abhimanyu Easwaran in favor of Sai Sudharsan may have given us another talented name in the Indian lineup, but it has also reignited the long-standing debate about merit, favoritism, and the value of domestic cricket.
As Indian cricket prepares for more challenging overseas tours, the BCCI must introspect and recalibrate its selection ethos. Domestic stalwarts like Easwaran are not just backup options—they are national assets who deserve a fair chance on the biggest stage.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs: India vs England 1st Test & Selection Controversy
Q1: Why did Sai Sudharsan’s Test debut spark controversy?
Sai Sudharsan was chosen over domestic veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran for the India vs England 1st Test at Leeds, despite Easwaran’s consistent red-ball record. Fans and experts felt Easwaran had earned the opportunity through years of domestic excellence.
Q2: How did Sudharsan perform on his Test debut?
Sai Sudharsan’s debut was short-lived as he was dismissed for a duck in just four balls by England captain Ben Stokes. His dismissal reignited debates about experience versus IPL-based selections.
Q3: Why is Abhimanyu Easwaran considered a deserving candidate?
Easwaran has scored over 6,000 first-class runs at an average above 50, with multiple centuries for India A against strong opponents like South Africa and New Zealand. His consistent performances make him a strong red-ball contender.
Q4: What role has IPL performance played in Test selections recently?
Many critics believe IPL success is being prioritized over domestic red-ball consistency, leading to players with fewer first-class credentials getting early Test opportunities, sometimes at the cost of proven performers.
Q5: How did fans react to Sudharsan’s selection over Easwaran?
Social media erupted with hashtags like #JusticeForEaswaran and #IPLQuota, criticizing the BCCI for favoritism and sidelining long-format performers in favor of IPL breakout stars.
Q6: How do Abhimanyu Easwaran’s stats compare to Sai Sudharsan’s?
| Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s/50s | Highest | India A Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | 88 | 6270 | 49.80 | 19/25 | 233 | Multiple Tours |
| B Sai Sudharsan | 14 | 860 | 41.00 | 2/5 | 179 | Limited |
Q7: What were India’s key moments on Day 1 of the 1st Test vs England?
India started well with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 42 each, reaching 92/2 by lunch. However, Sudharsan’s early dismissal gave England momentum on a flat Headingley pitch.
Q8: What have been Easwaran’s best India A performances in recent years?
- 141 vs South Africa A (Bloemfontein, 2021)
- 132 vs New Zealand A (Bengaluru, 2022)
- 85 & 53 vs Bangladesh A (Sylhet, 2023)
These performances highlight his adaptability in different conditions.
Q9: Is IPL performance overrated in Test selections?
Experts argue IPL should not overshadow Ranji and India A performances in red-ball selections. Test cricket demands temperament and technique, often honed over years of first-class cricket rather than T20 stints.
Q10: What steps should BCCI take to improve selection fairness?
- Transparent criteria: Clearly define performance benchmarks for Tests.
- Longer India A tours: Give domestic players more exposure in international conditions.
- Rotation policy: Provide opportunities when senior players are rested.
- Ranji Trophy focus: Make domestic red-ball cricket central to Test selection.
Q11: What is the long-term impact of such selection controversies?
Ignoring domestic stalwarts risks discouraging first-class performers and weakening India’s Test bench strength. Players like Pujara and Rahane emerged from Ranji and India A cricket, proving its importance for Test success.
Q12: Could Easwaran still play a role in India’s Test future?
Absolutely. At 29, Easwaran is in peak batting form with years of domestic experience, making him a ready and reliable option for India’s Test side, especially on overseas tours.