India vs Australia | Mayank Agarwal has waited too long for this chance, says R Muralidhar

Last year’s highest run-getter in the domestic circuit, Mayank Agarwal, has finally earned his big break with the Indian national team as he was called up to the squad currently involved in the four-match Test series against Australia. Agarwal was added to the team in order to add cover for the opening duo of Murali Vijay and K L Rahul who have had a miserable outing in Australia so far.

R Muralidhar, Mayank’s personal batting coach since his formative years, believes the Karnataka-born cricketer is well-equipped to take on the best bowlers and has waited for this chance for a long, long time.

“I’ve spoken to Mayank and he says he has been batting well in the nets. There is a lot of positive energy he surrounds himself with. There will be some nervousness but it won’t affect his game."

“That’s because he has waited too long for this opportunity and that has prepared him. We thought he would debut against West Indies at home but it was not to be. He went back and played for India ‘A’ and got some runs. Mayank has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this series. He will be focused on making big runs because that’s what India need,” Muralidhar told TOI reporters.

Another coach, who will be up early to catch the Melbourne action will be former Karnataka opener and Ranji Trophy-winning coach J Arun Kumar. Agarwal was also the leading run-scorer in the 2017-18 season of the Ranji Trophy.

“I’m thrilled that Mayank will earn his cap but I do feel bad that Rahul won’t be in the playing XI. It would have been a proud moment for us to see two Karnataka talents open the innings for India. But I’m sure that will happen soon. Mayank deserved this opportunity and I’m sure he’ll make it count."

"He’s worked extremely hard to be get there and is eager to go out there and showcase his cricket. He understands the importance of this series because you are playing against the best team and runs against Australia in Australia are always valued more than what you score against other oppositions,” Kumar said in an interview.

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