Playing for India remains my aim: Abhimanyu Easwaran

KALYANI: It was an agonising day-long wait for Abhimanyu Easwaran to complete a cherished century. Going by his current form, a three-figure mark seems like regulation for him, but this milestone was something special and emotional for the Dehradun born boy as he prepared to take guard in his 100th first-class match.

But sadly, he was kept waiting as the first day's play of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match between Bengal and Bihar was called off without a ball being bowled on Friday. Bringing back memories of the abandoned Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida last month, even the toss did not happen in spite of a sunny day here at the Bengal Cricket Academy (BCA).

Overnight downpour left wet patches in the outfield making the ground unfit for cricket as the umpires called off day's play at 3pm after a series of inspections.

"It makes me feel special," Easwaran said after being felicitated by the Cricket Association of Bengal on Friday. "It's been a long journey and I did not even realise that I had played so many FC matches," he stated.

However, the opener remains focused on achieving his dream. "It was good to enjoy the journey. But my aim remains the same - to play for India," he said.

Having scored four tons in his last four FC matches, Easwaran is perhaps going through the best phase of his career with the expectation of him getting picked as the reserve opener for India's series Down Under next month is gaining strength. "Yes I also get to hear those murmurs," he smiled.

"It feels nice to be thought of likewise. But I always concentrate only on my next match," he added. Easwaran has been knocking on India's door for a long time, but is yet to get a break. "Things happen differently for different people. So I don't brood about when my turn will come, but rather keep doing my job," he said.

With 7638 FC runs under his belt, the 29-year-old batter is known to play big innings. "I like to stay on the wicket and look to convert my starts," he explained.

Easwaran felt being a member of different sides like India 'A' or 'B' has helped him gain experience. "I have learnt a lot by sharing the dressing room with different people. I tried to learn how they prepare and how they approach a match. It's good that I have made a lot of friends too," he stated.