IND v SA | Mayank Agarwal has approached Test cricket like his idol Virender Sehwag, says VVS Laxman
Former India great VVS Laxman feels that Mayank Agarwal’s 'fearless' approach to Test cricket resembles a lot to his idol, Virender Sehwag. Both Laxman and Harbhajan Singh observed how the long years of experience at the domestic level has shaped Agarwal’s style in international cricket.
He caught the eye of a lot of fans and pundits with two half-centuries in his maiden Test tour of Australia, but the maiden double hundred (215) against South Africa last week has got everyone talking up the man from Karnataka.Â
"He is a solid batsman and has approached this game like a domestic cricket match. Players usually change the way they play in domestic and international cricket, but he managed to maintain his style in both forms of cricket. Mental toughness and stability are his strengths and he plays fearlessly just like his favourite, Virender Sehwag," Laxman commented on Agarwal's performance, reported PTI.
Harbhajan, on the other hand, looked further into the days Agarwal spent grinding it out for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy and other Indian domestic tournaments.Â
"Mayank uses his feet well when he comes forward and hits and also executes the reverse sweep shots. He has a lot in store and plays them when and where needed. He is a hardworking player; the players who come from domestic cricket background have learned a lot. They come in late but have so much knowledge and experience of the game that they value and understand every opportunity that the game brings to them," Harbhajan opined.
"Once a player is confident about his role and place in the game, he only needs to focus on his performance. Rohit was trying (to play) a different game but Mayank Agarwal stuck to his game," Harbhajan added.
Agarwal would be looking to once again make heads turn in the second Test in Pune, which will commence from October 10.
