Mayank Agarwal Recalls Encouraging Words From Rahul Dravid While Waiting For His Test Debut

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.

However, while he was long-awaiting his debut, words from Test legend Rahul Dravid came as a source of motivation for him. He registered the world from Dravid in his mind and continued to focus on his game sidelining all the negativity.

Mayank Agarwal: Rahul bhai told me selection is not in your hands

Rahul Dravid encouraged Mayank Agarwal by saying selection is not in his hands and he has done his part by working hard and scoring runs. Dravid also told him that he is very close on getting selected and should only focus on his game.

“I was getting runs you know. I got massive runs that Ranji Trophy season and for India A. I did have a word with Rahul bhai. I told him I was getting thoughts of sometimes not getting picked,” Agarwal told Sanjay Manjrekar in a video uploaded on ESPNcricinfo website.

“I very clearly remember him telling me ‘Mayank these are the things that are in your hands. You have worked hard, you have gotten here. You are as close as you can get. Selection is not in your hands’.

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.