Mayank Aggarwal, who has had a couple of fantastic years with the bat, is hoping to finally enjoy a similar kind of Indian Premier League (IPL) season this year for Kings XI Punjab.
Mayank is arriving into IPL 2019 after having made a solid Test debut for India in Australia. He then had some really fruitful outings domestically for his state side in the Ranji Trophy as well as the just-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, in which, his unbeaten 85-run knock against Maharashtra in the final paved way for Karnataka's title victory.
"It’s always great to come into a great tournament like the IPL with form and runs under your belt," he told CricketNext. "I have been timing the ball well although the big scores were not coming. But what better place to score runs than the final and it gave me more pleasure because it helped guide Karnataka to the title."
Mayank scored two very fine half-centuries at Melbourne and Sydney and played his role in ensuring the country's maiden Test series win in Australia. And that experience seems to have only added to his confidence.
"International cricket helps you grow as a cricketer," he said. "Making my debut in front of a packed crowd at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, nothing could be more special than that."
"I have learned the work ethic that is required to succeed at the top level as well as the mental attitude that is needed. I definitely come into this IPL as a much more developed batsman than previous years."
Despite his outstanding form leading upto this tournament, Mayank is not taking anything for granted as far as his place in the KXIP side is concerned. Especially when the likes of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul are slated to be first-choice openers of their team.
"The strength of the Kings XI this season is it’s batting," he added. "We have Chris Gayle and KL Rahul at the top of the order and the likes of myself, David Miller and Mandeep Singh in the middle-order."
"The one area we have improved since last year will be the pace bowling department with the addition of Mohammed Shami, who has been in superb form in white-ball cricket in the last few months. I think Kings XI have the depth to challenge for a playoff spot this season and after that, it’s anyone’s game," Mayank concluded.
King XI Punjab will be opening its IPL 2019 campaign away from home against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on March 25.
