Mayank Agarwal Replaces Vijay Shankar in the Indian Squad for ICC CWC 2019, Here Are Some Best Performances of the Karnataka Batsman
Mayank has played majority of the cricket as an opener and the talks of dawning him the Indian jersey has been for a long time. In domestic games, Mayank has scored runs consistently in all the three formats. So, it will be interesting to see where he will bat if he gets a chance in the XI.
Vijay Shankar has been ruled out of the tournament following an injury he suffered in the nets while facing Jasprit Bumrah. Mayank Agarwal has been named as the replacement by BCCI. Shankar was handed the responsibility of batting at number four heading to the tournament but KL Rahul sealed the spot thanks to a century in the warm-up match against Bangladesh. Later, due to Shikhar Dhawan's injury, Rahul got the chance to open the innings and Shankar was included in the playing XI. Now, Shankar has been ruled out of the tournament and the Karnataka lad Mayank is all set to replace him courtesy his stellar and consistent run in the domestic circuit. Vijay Shankar Ruled Out of ICC CWC 2019 Due to Injury, Mayank Agarwal to Replace Him; Twitter Reacts.
Mayank has played as an opener for the most part and the talks of him donning the Indian jersey has been around for a long time. In domestic cricket, Mayank has scored runs consistently in all the three formats. The opener already has represented India at Test level against Australia last December. He immediately made an impact by scoring two fifties in three innings and played a decent part in defeating the Aussies in their own backyard.
Some Match-Defining Performances of Mayank Agarwal
90 against Saurashtra in Vijay Hazare Trophy finals
Mayank Agarwal had a dream run in the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare trophy where the opener amassed a whopping 723 runs in eight matches at a staggering average of 90.37. He also made three centuries in the tournament but his innings of 90 in the finals was the most crucial as it guided Karnataka to the title.
112 against England Lions
Mayank Agarwal scored 112 runs off just 104 deliveries against a quality England Lions pace attack. The opener studded his innings with 10 boundaries. The opener was well supported by Shubhman Gill and Hanuma Vihari as India A comfortably won by 104 runs.
151 against Leicestershire
The opening duo of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal went all guns blazing against the Leicestershire pace attack. Prithvi got out on 112 but Mayank ponded a massive score of 151 runs guiding India to a mammoth total of 459 runs which the Indian bowlers defended quite easily.
220 against South Africa- A
The right-handed opener continued his dream run in the domestic circuit by scoring 220 runs against the South Africa-A side. Mayank demolished the Proteas bowlers to all parts of the ground and also scored at a brisk pace. South Africa- A was bundled out for 246 runs and the pitch seemed bowling-friendly but Mayank scored runs and showcased his class.
76 against Australia
Mayank got drafted in the side following an injury to Prithvi Shaw. The opener warmed the benches in the first two Tests and finally made his debut in the third Test at Melbourne. The Karnataka star was up against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon but he adjusted to the conditions well and scored 76 runs. He missed his century but India scored 443 runs in the first innings and later won the match as well.
So, Mayank has already proved his mettle in the whites and will be looking to replicate a similar impact in the blues as well. Mayank is an opener by profession but India already has a set opening duo of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. So, it will be interesting to see where he will bat if he gets a chance in the XI.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2019 05:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).