Exclusive: The Emergence of the Talented Mayank Agarwal

The talented Karnataka lad, Mayank Agarwal replaces the injured, Vijay Shankar for the remainder of  World Cup 2019. 

The 28-year-old run machine from Karnataka is finally reaping rewards for his consistent performances in Domestic Cricket in all three formats. It has not been an easy journey for the talented lad, who had to make some exceptional performances to get the ‘well deserved’ recognition. 

MAYANK’S GRIND THROUGH THE RANKS

It all started at the U-19 World Cup 2010, which saw Mayank feature in the headlines after ending as the highest run-scorer for India. He scored a total of 167 runs from 6 innings at an average of 27.83 in Team India’s miserable World Cup campaign. While he didn’t give any extraordinary performance, he definitely gave the impression that he is the player to watch out for.

After going under the radar for a few years, his breakthrough season came in the year 2017-18 playing for Karnataka. He scored hundreds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as he topped the run charts in Ranji Trophy with 1160 runs.

The run spree didn’t end there as he scored another 723 runs in 8 games, in the Vijay Hazare tournament. Overall, In 2017-18, He scored an unprecedented 2141 runs across all three formats in one domestic season. His batting exploits contributed heavily during the side’s incredible double treble.

Trivia- Double Treble: Winning the Ranji Trophy, the Irani Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy consecutively for two years. This record was definitely worth gold as it kept him under the radar of the national team selectors.

THE TEST DEBUT

His fabulous run in Domestic Cricket and the poor form of Indian openers saw him get his Test cap. Making a Test match debut for Team India is an incredible achievement in itself. More so, doing the same against Australia in Australia is something to be mighty proud of.

Imagine walking into bat on the first day of the Boxing Day test match in front of a record crowd at the MCG. That’s exactly the same scenario in which Mayank made his debut. Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins steaming in at full pace, fielders chirping constantly trying to unsettle him, an unforgiving crowd booing at every opportunity. But, a determined Mayank scored a solid 76 in his debut innings.

In the three innings he played, he scored a total of 195 at an average of 65. An enormous amount of praises followed him as he thrived well in the most difficult of circumstances.

THE WORLD CUP CALL UP

A toe injury to Vijay Shankar, which ruled him out of World Cup 2019 saw an unexpected call to Mayank Agarwal as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament. 

Having just made his debut for the Indian side earlier this year, it was a dream come true for the Karnataka lad, who has worked his a** off over the years.

His selection over Rayudu does raise few eyebrows considering Rayudu was the standby player alongside Rishabh Pant. However, considering the need of a top-order player, and his exemplary domestic run inspired his selection. Moreover, his splendid performance for India A during the tri-series in England in 2018 could also be one of the reasons.

In the Tri-series, he scored 287 runs from four games at an average of 71.75 and a strike rate of 105.90 as he ended the tournament as the highest run-scorer.

CONCLUSION

Mayank absolutely deserves the call, but will he find a spot in the playing 11?.

His ability to go hard at the start of the innings might see him partnering Rohit Sharma. However, that would depend on how KL Rahul plays as an opener.

Everything said and done, we wish Mayank Agarwal the very best as he represents the nation at the grandest stage.

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