Mayank Agarwal announced his comeback in India’s Test squad in a blockbuster way. The opening batsman displayed sheer dominance with the bat in the recently concluded Mumbai Test match against New Zealand.
During the Mumbai game against New Zealand, Mayank slammed 150 runs in the first innings of the Test match, taking team India to a competitive score of 325 runs. Mayank returned again with his brilliant form as he played a crucial knock of 62 runs in the second innings of the game. His heroics with the bat has earned him praises from all corners. Not just this, the cricketer recently got his name permanently etched on the prestigious honors board at Wankhede Stadium.
It was a terrific comeback by Mayank Agarwal, who was struggling to find a place in the playing XI of the Indian squad for a long time.
Impressed with his performances former batting legend VVS Laxman, recently, hailed his brilliance with the bat. Speaking on the STAR SPORTS show FOLLOW THE BLUES, VVS Laxman felt that the batter made technical adjustments to his game and that reaped him rewards. He said:
“I think the difference between Kanpur and Mumbai was, that there were slight technical adjustments he made, more so he trusted the game plan against Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee. Because in Kanpur in both the innings he got out at balls that were pitching on and outside the off stump, whereas in Mumbai, especially in the first innings, he was ready to leave a lot of deliveries.”
He added:
“But when the spinners came in he was using his feet a lot and I think he played with a mindset, which is similar to what he used to play in first-class and international cricket. He has given a lot of importance to self-belief and it was great to see him coming in and expressing himself, and that’s why he hit some outstanding shots, especially against Ajaz Patel. His shot over long-off and over extra cover for sixes are probably the best shots of his innings,”
This isn’t just a name on a board. This is all the hardwork culminating into something that goes beyond. Playing Test cricket and contributing to a win for your country is everything for someone who grew up worshipping the game. It’s an honour to be named alongside so many greats pic.twitter.com/Z8rzIfr0X3
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) December 7, 2021
India’s former batting coach Sanjay Bangar also heaped praises on the batter for his performances. He stated that the opening batsman displayed a lot of discipline against fast bowlers and targeted the spinners. Bangar feels that it was “a big achievement” for the manner in which the opener made his comeback into the International scene. He said:
“Mayank Agarwal’s batting style was commendable. He very efficiently countered Wankhede’s pitch which had a lot of turn and bounce. The way he approached and encountered Tim Southee was the highlight of the match because Southee was someone who troubled us a lot in the first Test match. Mayank showed a lot of discipline against pacers and scored a lot of runs against spinners, especially against Ajaz Patel.”
Mayank was the only batter who could tackle the lethal deliveries of Ajaz Patel, who picked all the 10-wickets in an inning. Bangar praised how Mayank tackled Ajaz Patel and used this opportunity and scored big. He said:
“I think Ajaz is a bowler who pitches a ball higher and whenever he has pitched the ball higher, Mayank Agarwal has used this opportunity to use his feet and play aerial shots. He has played long shots with the turn and which is why I think this is a big achievement for Mayank Agarwal – the way he has made his comeback in Test cricket,”
Also Read: Kevin Pietersen Gave A Hilarious Reply To Mayank Agarwal’s Honours Board Pic
