IND Vs ENG: Abhimanyu Easwaran's Father Hits Out At Indian Team Management Over Test Snub Amid England Series 

Ranganathan Easwaran, the father of Indian batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, has publicly criticized the Indian team management for not giving his son a chance in the playing XI during the Test series against England. Despite being in the squad for all five matches, Easwaran did not play a single game.

Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, his father said, "My son looks a little depressed, but that is bound to happen. Some players jump the gun based on IPL performances which earn them a spot in the Test team. IPL performances should not be counted while selecting the team for the longest format. Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Trophy should be the basis for Test selection."

Ranganathan also said players should be selected for Tests based on their performances in first-class cricket, not the IPL, which is a T20 format. He called the decision unfair and disappointing.

The statement has sparked a fresh debate on whether the selectors are giving enough value to red-ball cricket and whether long-time performers like Easwaran are being overlooked unfairly.

IND Vs ENG, 5th Test: Ollie Pope's Successful DRS Call Draws Applause From Ben Stokes As Yashasvi Jaiswal Departs Early; Video

England drew first blood in the final Test of the series at The Oval, as fast bowler Gus Atkinson dismissed India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 2 runs with a fiery delivery that crashed into the middle stump, thanks to a well-judged DRS call from captain Ollie Pope.

Bowling from around the wicket, Atkinson delivered one that jagged back sharply off a good length, angling in from outside off. Jaiswal, defending tentatively, brought his bat down at an awkward angle and was struck on the back pad. England appealed instantly for LBW, but the on-field umpire was unmoved.

There was an audible woody sound, prompting initial doubts, but Atkinson remained convinced, joined by enthusiastic voices from behind the stumps. Pope, equally confident, went upstairs for a review. On replay, it was clear: the bat and ball hadn’t connected. Instead, the ball brushed the front pad before thudding into the back pad.

Third umpire, after a brief check, confirmed no UltraEdge was needed. Ball tracking followed and it was damning for Jaiswal. Three reds lit up the screen as the ball was shown to be hitting middle stump. The on-field decision was overturned, and Jaiswal was sent back for 2 off 9 balls, leaving India at 10/1 in the early stages of the Test.

Captain Ollie Pope celebrated the successful review with a fist pump directed at the England dressing room, where injured talisman Ben Stokes, sidelined due to a shoulder issue, applauded the call. It was a moment of sharp captaincy and precise bowling, giving England the ideal start in a high-stakes encounter.