ICC World Cup 2019 | If Mayank Agarwal gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll do well, says Coach
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Mayank Agarwal’s coach R Muralidhar reckons that his protege will definitely live up to expectations if given an opportunity to make his ODI debut at the ongoing World Cup in England. Agarwal was named as the replacement for the outgoing Vijay Shankar who suffered a toe injury last week.
The Indian cricket team suffered a disheartening loss against World Cup hosts’ England but still find themselves at the second spot in the standings table behind defending champions Australia. The Indian team were unbeaten until then having done well due to some impressive displays by Shikhar Dhawan and other batsmen in the squad. Dhawan suffered an injury which ruled him out of the World Cup and gave all-rounder Vijay Shankar an opportunity to come into the playing XI.
However, the SRH all-rounder also suffered a toe injury due to which he did not feature in the loss against England which saw Rishabh Pant make his World Cup debut. After Shankar was ruled out of the tournament with a toe injury, Karnataka batsman Mayank Agarwal was called up as his replacement in the Indian 15-man squad in England.
Agarwal’s former coach, R Muralidhar, heaped praise on his protege as he said that the Indian Test batsman will live up to expectations if given an opportunity at the ongoing global showpiece.
“I was sitting at home and Mayank called. I thought it's a random call from him. The moment I said hello, he replied, saying, 'I have got a call-up.' I asked what call-up? He said 'World Cup call-up'. He actually made my morning. I was so elated. It was a crazy feeling. I congratulated him for that. He was elated but at the same time he was nervous. I told him to play the way he has been (playing). He has experience with him. He was called up for the Test series against Australia last year and performed really well. I told him to believe in himself," Maralidhar told TOI.
"He (Mayank) is a versatile batsman. He always wanted to represent India and in any format. He is (such) a guy - throw challenges at him, he will accept them with a smile. It is every cricketer’s dream to represent the country and very few get to play in the World Cup. That's a very big thing for Mayank. I know his mindset and the approach he has towards the game. If he gets an opportunity, I am sure he will do well,” he added.
