Mayank Agarwal Admits Being Fearful Before His Test Debut In Australia

Mayank Agarwal waited anxiously for his chance in Test cricket and delivered from the word go when given an opportunity. But he had to wait long before getting his break in the longest format and there were time during this phase when he succumbed to negative thoughts. During this phase Mayank Agarwal hit a triple century for Karnataka in 2017 Ranji trophy, making him the third player from the state behind KL Rahul and Karun Nair to achieve the feat.

“I was a little fearful. Not a lot of people get a chance to play Test cricket for India. And I was getting that chance in Australia, so I was a little fearful. But Indian domestic cricket teaches you. When you play that many seasons in domestic cricket, you understand it, you become a lot more mature,” Mayank Agarwal said in a conversation with Aakash Chopra.

“As a player, it definitely goes on in your mind that I have scored so many runs, I am playing well and if I am given a chance now then I will be able to play well. But it is a situation where you were thinking as a player from your own point of view.

“But if you see from the other angle, you will see that KL Rahul was playing well, Prithvi got a chance and he scored a century, Murali Vijay was playing well and Shikhar Dhawan was also playing well. So, you will have to see that you are making runs but if the spot is open or not,” he added.

Agarwal went on to make his debut in the Test series Down Under in 2018-19 and was quick to cement his spot as an opener. In 11 Tests, he has scored 974 runs at a brilliant average of 57.29, laced with three centuries and four half-centuries.

The opener who has been a regular for KXIP will be next seen in action during the IPL 2020 slated to get underway from September 19.