Mayank Agarwal's stance in the slip drew attention during the first Test in Kanpur.
India cricketer Mayank Agarwal took a different stance on the field to maximize catching opportunities during the first Test against New Zealand. He was on his knees in the slip cordon to grab the ball.
Mayank's stance as a close-in fielder wasn't liked by former India cricketer VVS Laxman, who has experience of fielding in similar positions. Laxman feels the stance is only ideal for the ball coming in front of the fielder which shouldn't be the only expectation as it could also come sharply to the left or right side.
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"Because of lack of bounce, we saw something different. We saw this same thing in Vizag when India played. A different stance to stand in gully. I don’t agree with it.
"When you are in this position when you want to be in close-in fielding position, you need to be ready for the catches that are coming in front, right, left or above. But in this position, all you are doing is waiting for the ball that is coming in front of you, which means it is not ideal," Laxman said on Star Sports.
After Day 2, Mayank continued to field in the same stance on Day 3 as well. Laxman further said that a fielder should back himself in such fielding positions and trust their instincts.
"The ideal thing would be to back yourself, stick to a position, be in the frame. You do so much of preparation, take so many catches. You trust your instincts and reflexes and then find ways to still be on the ball to keep it inside and then take it low, when you are pushing yourself in front, right, left and also up. So that is the position I would back Mayank Agarwal to be in. Not in this," he added.
(With Star Sports Inputs)