ICC World Cup 2019: Why Mayank Agarwal Was Picked Ahead Of Ambati Rayudu?

India’s rookie batsman Mayank Agarwal was named into the World Cup squad ahead of Ambati Rayudu. Agarwal is yet to make his One Day International debut and thus it was a bolt from the blue from the selectors when selectors picked him after Vijay Shankar was ruled out with a fractured toe. Meanwhile, the Karnataka batsman has an impressive record in the domestic circuit.

Agarwal had a career-changing season in 2017 Ranji Trophy season when he amassed more than 1000 runs. In fact, the right-hander has impressed in his List A career as he has scored 3579 runs in the 75 matches at an average of 48.71 and strike rate of 100.72.

Mayank Agarwal deserves every bit of the opportunity.

On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal had a great debut against Australia in the Test series. The right-hander had scored 195 runs in the two matches he played Down Under.

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Furthermore, Mayank Agarwal had an impressive tour to England with India A side under the tutelage of coach Rahul Dravid. Agarwal had scored a truckload of runs and knows the conditions well. However, Agarwal hasn’t yet played an ODI.

On the other side, Ambati Rayudu was part of the Indian team in the last year. However, his poor form in the IPL came back to haunt him. Rayudu had also taken to his Twitter handle to take a dig at the selectors, which might have shut the other doors (Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar’s injury) which were opened later.

“Mayank has played for India A in England last year and did well in tri-series and was also the highest scorer in that series and India won. He’s known to exploit the power plays and plays spin better,” a source has told Times Now News.

“Rahul Dravid has very good words for him and that worked in his favour, Ajinkya gets stuck in the middle overs and has problems playing spin and Ambati Rayudu has failed in the recent past.”

It would be interesting to note whether Mayank Agarwal will get his chance in the playing XI. In fact, there is no doubt that he should have received his opportunity a long time back. However, it is well said that it is better to be late than never. Agarwal deserves his opportunity and he would be looking to grab it with both hands.