Is Abhimanyu Easwaran a Role Model for Aspiring Cricketers?
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Kolkata, May 24 (NationPress) Following the announcement of his former student, Abhimanyu Easwaran, receiving a call-up to India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of England, his childhood coach Nirmal Sengupta expressed his strong belief that the right-handed batter will secure a position in the playing XI. He also shared how his students view Abhimanyu as a true idol and a source of inspiration.
At the age of 10, Abhimanyu relocated to Kolkata, where Nirmal's guidance played a pivotal role in his development, shaping him into not just a cricketer, but a well-rounded individual. The 29-year-old often recalls his time spent with his coach in the ‘Donga’ district, attributing much of his success to his mentorship.
“Every coach dreams of seeing their student represent the Indian team, and I share that joy. Today, Abhimanyu has earned his place in the national squad. He has been training with me for over a decade, and with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli absent, I am confident he will rise to the occasion for the national team. He called me earlier today to share the exciting news of his selection while traveling to England for the India ‘A’ series,” Nirmal stated.
“(On his message to his students) The evidence is right here; Abhimanyu Easwaran stands as a testament to what dedication can achieve. While my idols were Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, for these kids, Abhimanyu is the hero,” Nirmal Sengupta told IANS.
Although Easwaran was part of the Indian team during the 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he did not get the opportunity to play in any match.
With a remarkable record of 7674 runs in 101 first-class matches, averaging 48.87 with 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries and a top score of 233, he has consistently been a key player for the India A team. He will captain the squad for two warm-up matches against the England Lions, scheduled from May 30 to June 2 in Canterbury, and June 6 to 9 in Northampton, along with an intra-squad game against the senior Indian Test team from June 13 to 16 in Beckenham.