India vs Windies 2018: Hard Work Paid Off, Still Long Way to Go - Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal is delighted after getting his maiden Test call to the Indian squad. The Karnataka batsman believes that his hard work has finally paid off. However, he believes it is still the start of his journey and he has a long way to go. In fact, Mayank Agarwal was knocking at the selection door from a long time. Finally, he was answered by the selectors as the door opened for him.

Mayank Agarwal has been in prolific form with the bat in the domestic circuit. The right-hander has scored a truckload of runs in the domestic season for his state team Karnataka. Agarwal had scored more than 2000 runs collectively in Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in the previous season.

Just a beginning.

Furthermore, Mayank has come up with solid performances for the India A side. He had recently scored a double hundred against South Africa A side at Bangalore.

“My hard work has paid off but there is a long way to go,” Agarwal said to The Indian Express on Sunday. “It is just a start. I will try to keep the same momentum if I get a chance to play for India,” he added.

Focus on the process, Rahul Dravid advice.

Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal said that India A coach Rahul Dravid told him to focus on the process. Selection is not something which is player’s hand. He can continue to perform consistently and give a push to his selection envelope. Thus, Agarwal continued to perform and he was able to finally reap fruits.

“Rahul Bhai (Dravid) told me to focus on what I can control and to be in the present. He told me if I keep performing then what is bound to happen will happen. I always believed that hard work would pay finally. He told me that I have a good work ethic and when someone like Rahul Bhai tells you that you are going in the right direction it means a lot. Everyone needs someone senior as a guide and I am thankful that he was there for me,” Agarwal continues.

In fact, Agarwal revealed that Board President’s XI coach Abhay Sharma told him about his selection. Agarwal he went on to give his gratitude to all the people who played a huge role in his success.

 “Actually our coach (BPXI) Abhay Sharma had told me earlier but I waited for a confirmation. I’m looking forward to the Test series. I spoke to my parents, my mother wasn’t able to control her emotions. Also I called up Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar to thank him for backing me when I was about to be dropped from the Ranji team a few years ago. In the next game, I scored 300-odd runs and have not looked back since,” he concluded.

Mayank Agarwal will like to make the most of his opportunity if he gets his chance in the two-match Test series against Windies. The first Test match will begin from 4 October at Rajkot.