'Pattern' Behind Mayank Agarwal's Non-Inclusion In India Squad For Nidahas Trophy

It was a big surprise not to see the name of Mayank Agarwal on the list of players announced for the Nidahas Trophy 2018.

The Karnataka opener is in dream form in the ongoing season and considering the fact that many of the senior players have been rested, Mayank’s name was ahead of others.

However, selectors did not hand him his maiden call-up.

The reason behind his non-inclusion is the pattern, which has to be followed before a player is selected in the national side,

“Mayank has not been selected because we are following a pattern. Any domestic performer will have to play India A before being considered for senior team selection,” a senior BCCI official close to selection committee told PTI.

The right-handed batsman scored 1160 runs in the Ranji Trophy at a Bradmanesque average of 105.45, with the highest score of 304*.

He did well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and scored 258 runs in nine innings at 28.66.

Mayank again shone in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

He is currently the highest run-scorer in the ongoing tournament.

The Karnataka opener has scored 633 runs in seven games till now, at an aware of 90.42.

He has already scored three centuries in the tournament and has three half-centuries alongside his name too.

KS Bharat, with 390 runs in eight games, in second on the list of most runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017/18.

Mayank was deemed to be an automatic choice for the Nidahas Trophy but the batsman will have to prove is credentials for India A too, before making it to the national side.

There were no new faces in the side.

Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar are though yet to make their international debut but have made it to the side earlier.

Indian selectors named an experienced squad and Mayank’s absence was a big surprise.

His next assignment will be the final contest against Saurashtra.

He will also be an automatic choice to play Deodhar Trophy and Irani Cup too.

Mayank might have to wait for long to earn a national call-up as in the international games next season, selectors might not give inexperienced a chance due to the presence of regulars.

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