Abhimanyu Easwaran Omitted from Test Squad, Wasim Jaffer Criticises

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer questioned the exclusion of Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran from India's 15‑member squad for the two‑match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on 15 August in Galle. Jaffer highlighted Easwaran’s first‑class record of 8,381 runs at an average of 47.61, including 27 centuries, arguing that “someone who has scored more than 8,000 first‑class runs obviously has quality” and deserves an opportunity. He added that if Easwaran fails after a few innings, the decision would be fair, but dropping him without a chance is unjust.

Jaffer also criticised the East Zone’s decision to appoint 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as vice‑captain for the 2026‑27 Duleep Trophy, suggesting that Easwaran, with his extensive experience and leadership as Bengal captain, would have been a more appropriate choice. He noted Sooryavanshi’s modest first‑class average of 17.25 and called the appointment “debate‑able,” emphasizing that Easwaran’s inclusion would have been fairer.