Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal. Credit: BCCI

India’s Test opener Mayank Agarwal will fly to Karnataka to play the semi-final of Vijay Hazare Trophy for his state team, which takes place tomorrow. Mayank, who was a part of the Test team that whitewashed South Africa today, will likely replace Devdutt Padikkal at the top of the order to open with KL Rahul. Padikkal might be dropped down to number 3 in the batting order.

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His (Mayank) arrival in Karnataka has been possible after the Ranchi Test match ended on early –  on day 4. Had the Test match stretched to day 5, it would not have been possible for the batsman to join his state team.

Mayank Agarwal.
Mayank Agarwal. Credit: BCCI

Mayank had started the Test series with a double-century Vizag, becoming just the fourth Indian batsman to convert his maiden century into a double-century. He followed up with another century in Pune but scored 10 in the only innings he played in Ranchi, where India defeated South Africa by an innings and 202 runs.

Karnataka take on Chhattisgarh in the semi-final at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match will also have a live telecast.

With seven wins from eight matches, the Manish Pandey-led side Karnataka had finished the league stage of the tournament at the top spot. In the quarter-final, they registered an eight-wicket win over Puducherry by chasing a target of 208 in 41 overs.

Mayank Agarwal
(Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

The semi-final will also see Mayank play his first domestic game of the season. His Test commitments meant that he did get to play for Karnataka earlier in the tournament. The 28-year-old is also likely to part of Deodhar Trophy as he is not expected to be named in the T20I squad.

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He might play few matches of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Karnataka before joining the Test squad for Bangladesh series. Mayank will again be available for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy season as India play white-ball series against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia after Bangladesh Tests.

While Mayank will be available for Karnataka, it has also been confirmed that R Ashwin will play for Tamil Nadu. The Dinesh Karthik-led side will face Gujarat in the second semi-final tomorrow.