'Mayank Agarwal Not Scoring A Hundred In The Warm-Up Game Is A Blessing In Disguise'- Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra has backed opener, Mayank Agarwal, to score heavily in the Tests against Australia. Mayank Agarwal warmed up by scoring a well-compiled half-century in the second innings of the ongoing warm-up game against Australia A in Sydney. Aakash Chopra believes that the right-handed batsman not scoring a hundred could be a blessing in disguise, keeping his hunger intact.

Mayank Agarwal has more or less sealed his spot as one of the opening batsmen for the first Test in Adelaide, set to commence on the 17th of December. The Karnataka opener, who started his Test career in Australia and blossomed too, was one of the four men to score a half-century as the visitors declared at 386-4. With twin centuries from Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant, India set an improbable 473 on the final day.

Aakash Chopra opines that Mayank Agarwal regaining his form was vital and having made his debut in Australia, he would want to keep the runs coming. The 43-year old admits that Mayank played a poor shot; however, appreciated by claiming it was an excellent knock. Aakash added that the right-handed batsman is one of the most improved players in the world.

“Mayank getting back his form was absolutely critical because he had made his debut here only and we want that runs keep flowing from his bat. We need to appreciate him as it was necessary for him to make runs. He had got out in the first innings to a slightly bad shot. But he played well this time and struck a good half-century. He gives me a lot of confidence. Mayank Agarwal is one of the most improved players in the last 12 months for Team India,” Aakash told in his Youtube video.

You have got your form and confidence but the hunger is alive: Aakash Chopra

The former Indian cricketer believes that it does not matter whether or not batsmen score centuries in the warm-up games and that regaining form is crucial. Hence, by scoring 60-65 runs, Mayank has regained his form and his hunger remains intact.

“He got dismissed in the second session but honestly speaking when you have these side games and someone doesn’t score a hundred I say that it was perfectly good. You have scored 60-65 runs, you have got your form and confidence but the hunger is alive,” he added.

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