This will be Mayank Agarwal’s year in IPL, says Ravichandran Ashwin

03/31/2019

Ravichandran Ashwin is mighty impressed with Mayank Agarwal’s batting this year, and the skipper even went on to say that this IPL will be the batsman’s breakthrough season. Meanwhile, Agarwal credited his debut for India at the international level for the bump in his IPL performance.

Karnataka batsman Mayank Agarwal has chipped in with notable performances for his side Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League. Agarwal has scored 22,43 and 58 at the number three position, in the three matches played thus far. However, the leading run scorer in 2010 Under-19 World Cup has the form on his side and even the backing of his skipper Ravichandran Ashwin.

"I just hope he goes on from strength to strength from here on. He has had a fabulous year. He's been striking the ball really well. I think he's been a touch unlucky when it comes to the IPL. But, I think this is going to be his year," said Ashwin, reported India Today.

Agarwal is a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and made his debut in the IPL way back in 2011, but has failed to score as per his reputation, evident with the fact that he has only scored 1057 runs in 65 matches, with an underwhelming average of 18.

The leading run scorer of the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the previous season made his long-awaited debut for India in the third Test of the Australia tour and scored 195 runs in the three innings he played thereafter. He expressed that playing for India has given him more exposure and confidence.

"It's a great feeling to get two points on the board. Very, very important to win the first home game and I hope we can create some momentum now. It is very pleasing. The year I have had has given me a lot of confidence. Playing for India has also given me a lot of confidence, a different outlook. With that outlook when I am playing the IPL, it makes things a lot easier," Agarwal said.

Despite starting well in all the three matches for his franchise, Agarwal failed to finish the innings and score big.

"I need to find ways to win games for the team. If I am batting at No. 3 and if we are batting first, we need to take the game as long as possible. If I am chasing, I need to finish games for the side, which I didn't do today, added the 28-year-old.

Mumbai Indians started off well with 62 runs in the powerplay. But after Quinton de Kock’s dismissal, the Kings bowlers bowled tight lines and the middle order failed to keep up the momentum. However, a late flourish from Hardik Pandya, who scored a quickfire 31 off 19 balls, helped Mumbai Indians post 176.

"We gave 10 runs more than what we should have because that's the way we see it and hopefully we can correct all those things going forward. There is due in the ground when the night falls here. So we have to be hard on ourselves," Ashwin signed off.

The Kings XI Punjab will take on Delhi Capitals at Mohali, tomorrow, in their next encounter of the cash rich league.