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.
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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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why was Abhimanyu Easwaran not selected for the India vs England Test? | BCCI chose B Sai Sudharsan over Easwaran, sparking debates over favoritism and IPL bias. |
| What is Abhimanyu Easwaran’s first-class record? | He has over 6200 runs with an average close to 50, including 19 centuries. |
| Did Sai Sudharsan perform well on Test debut? | No, he was dismissed for 0 after facing just four balls. |
| Is BCCI ignoring domestic performers for IPL stars? | Many fans believe so, as consistent Ranji players like Easwaran are repeatedly overlooked. |
| Has Easwaran ever played for India A? | Yes, he has toured with India A multiple times and has impressive performances. |
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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.