Mayank Agarwal has given a lot of importance to self-belief: VVS Laxman

Mayank Agarwal announced his comeback in India’s Test squad in his own distinct style. The opening batter exuded his sheer flair in the recently concluded Mumbai Test match against New Zealand. His heroics with the bat not only earned him a permanent place on the honors board at Wankhede Stadium but also fetched him praises from all over the cricketing fraternity.

Agarwal starred with the bat for India in the second and final Test match. He played an impressive knock of 150 runs in India’s first innings and followed it by a splendid knock of 62 runs in the second innings. India’s former cricketer VVS Laxman feels that the batter made technical adjustments to his game and that reaped him rewards.

“I think the difference between Kanpur and Mumbai was, that there were slight technical adjustments he made, more so he trusted the game plan against Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee. Because in Kanpur in both the innings he got out at balls that were pitching on and outside the off stump, whereas in Mumbai, especially in the first innings, he was ready to leave a lot of deliveries. But when the spinners came in he was using his feet a lot and I think he played with a mindset, which is similar to what he used to play in first-class and international cricket. He has given a lot of importance to self-belief and it was great to see him coming in and expressing himself, and that’s why he hit some outstanding shots, especially against Ajaz Patel. His shot over long-off and over extra cover for sixes are probably the best shots of his innings,” Laxman said on the STAR SPORTS show FOLLOW THE BLUES.

Mayank Agarwal’s batting style was commendable: Sanjay Bangar

Agarwal started his innings cautiously against New Zealand’s pacers and looked in complete control of his shot selection and footwork. India’s former batting coach Sanjay Bangar thus lauded the batter for his performances. He stated that the opening batter displayed a lot of discipline against fast bowlers and targeted the spinners well to pile up big runs.

“Mayank Agarwal’s batting style was commendable. He very efficiently countered Wankhede’s pitch which had a lot of turn and bounce. The way he approached and encountered Tim Southee was the highlight of the match because Southee was someone who troubled us a lot in the first Test match. Mayank showed a lot of discipline against pacers and scored a lot of runs against spinners, especially against Ajaz Patel. I think Ajaz is a bowler who pitches a ball higher and whenever he has pitched the ball higher, Mayank Agarwal has used this opportunity to use his feet and play aerial shots. He has played long shots with the turn and which is why I think this is a big achievement for Mayank Agarwal – the way he has made his comeback in Test cricket,” Bangar said.