NZ v IND 2020: Agarwal thanks batting coach Rathour for timely return to form

Mayank Agarwal overcame his issues to score an unbeaten 81 in the three-day warm-up game versus New Zealand XI.

Mayank Agarwal thanked batting coach Vikram Rathour as the Indian opener finally ended the rough phase he was enduring on the ongoing tour of New Zealand with a solid knock of 81 not out in the second innings of the three-day warm-up game in Hamilton that ended in a draw this Sunday (February 16). 

Agarwal informed he and Rathour dissected the flaws in his technique that were holding him back while with the A side and later playing his first ODI series; they worked extremely hard in helping him overcome his issues and returning to form in time for the two-match Test series that begins on February 21 in Wellington. 

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"It's been a little different playing here but I want to leave all that behind. Whatever has happened has happened. Yes, I got an 81 in the second innings of this practice game and I want to take this confidence forward into the Test match," Agarwal told reporters.

"Vikram sir and me, we have sat down and spoken about the areas where we need to improve. Yes, we have worked on it. After I got out in the first innings, I went back behind to the nets, did a lot of drills. I am happy whatever I have worked on is coming good now."

Agarwal didn't want to get into the specifics of it too much but it is his closed stance at the point of contact that has plagued him against the moving ball, as seen in the Caribbean against the dukes ball previously. "Just being a little too closed," he said. "That's just one part of it. But it is what it is and I don't want to discuss too much about it. Yes, we worked on it and we've moved forward and I would leave all that behind."

"It's just one of those things that have happened while batting and I am glad that we are able to rectify it and move ahead."

For such a likeable cricketer, it would be a travesty if Agarwal doesn't come out of this tour having proven his mettle in overseas conditions. 

"There's no point thinking about what's happened. Obviously, I can't bring that back. The last thing I can tell myself is yes, I have got 81 not out here and I can carry that into the Test match."

"I got a couple of on-drives in this innings and as a batsman, you know that you have to be doing a lot of things correct to hit an on-drive. When I got a couple of those, it gave me the assurance that was required," he added. 

(Inputs from PTI)