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[caption id="attachment_24682" align="alignnone" width="580"] Bengal's talented opener Abhimanyu Easwarn on Sunday achieved the milestone of scoring centuries in both innings against UP in Ranji Trophy.[/caption] Kolkata: Abhimanyu Easwaran on Sunday became the youngest cricketer to score back to back century in both innings of the game (142 & 110*) in Ranji Trophy. The talented opener from Bengal entered his name in the record books by scoring centuries in both innings against Uttar Pradesh at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. After scoring 142 runs in the first innings Easwaran remained unbeaten for 110 in the second innings, as Bengal got the crucial 3 points in their opening game for their first innings lead. He also became the fourth Bengal batsman to score century in both innings in a Ranji match. The other three were late Pankaj Roy, Ashoke Malhotra and Sourav Ganguly. Late Pankaj Roy did it twice in his career vs Orissa at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack in 1953 (170 & 143) and vs Hyderabad at Eden Gardens in 1962 (112 & 118). Former Bengal coach and batsman Ashok Malhotra achieved this feat (151 & 101*) versus Orissa at Baripada Stadium in 1991-92 season and last but not the least former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly too achieved this milestone ( 148 & 100) against Assam at Eden Gardens in 1993-94 season. A relaxed Abhimanyu expressed his satisfaction to xtratime.in after the match from Jaipur. “I didn’t know about this record. My only aim was to bat through the innings. In previous seasons we didn’t bat well in the second innings of the game and I am happy that I have helped my side. I don’t bother about my personal achievements and my first priority is always my team,” said Abhimanyu. On being asked about being bracketed alongside stalwarts like Late Pankaj Roy, Sourav Ganguly and Ashoke Malhotra for being the fourth batsman from the state to score century in both innings, the shy looking cricketer commented, “It’s my fortune to share the stage with legends like Pankaj Roy, Ashok Malhotra and Sourav Ganguly. I hadn’t seen Pankaj Roy, as I was not born then. Ashok Sir was my first coach in Ranji Trophy when I made my debut for Bengal and I had learnt a lot of things from him. Dadi (Sourav Ganguly) loves me a lot and I have got a lot of tips from him, which is helping me a lot through my career. Ahead of this season, he had scored just one century but had consistent scores in 40s, 60s and 80s - a troubling fact, by his own admission. So when Bengal were offered a placid track, Abhimanyu knew this was his opportunity to get to the three-figure mark. It was important not to throw away the start and get his season going with some runs. “I knew if I stayed at the crease and applied myself, runs will come. That is what happened with me in this match as I always focused on not taking any loose shots.” Abhimanyu's cricket journey started very early and like many others his father; RP Easwaran must take the entire credit for his development in the early stages of his career. Abhimayu was fortunate to get the best exposure as a budding cricketer. In 2005, his father permanently asked him to shift his base to Bonga near the Bangladesh border to take up cricket seriously. On being asked how he felt about staying away from home since the age of 8 years, Abhimanyu said, “I loved cricket more than anything, that’s why I am staying away from my home for last 12 years. I always wanted to bring the smiles on my father and my grandfather and grandmother who were closest to me.” A satisfied RP Easwaran must feel proud about his son. Speaking all the way from Dehradun, Mr Easwaran commented, “It’s nothing new for me as I know my son’s capability. All his sacrifices and hard work is paying off. But it is just the beginning for him.” Mr Easwarn further added, “He is mentally very tough and he knows his job well. My only suggestion for him is to not get overconfident with his performance and believe in his ability.” Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwary praised the opener after the match, as he said,” I haven’t seen any one so mature like Abhimanyu Eashwaran at the age of 20 years. He is very focused about his game and he knows his responsibilities, which is a great lesson for everyone in the team.”