Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar on Friday (December 3) clarified that Mayank Agarwal didn’t come to take advice from him and rather he imposed himself on the current India opener, who hit a fantastic century on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Thanks to Agarwal’s unbeaten 120, the hosts finished the rain-curtailed opening day at 221/4 in 70 overs. It was his fourth ton in the longest format and it came after two years.
While commentating on Day 1 of the Mumbai Test, former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta asked Gavaskar what he told Agarwal in Kanpur after spotting them having a chat.
In reply, Gavaskar said he cared for Indian cricket and that’s why he offered his suggestion.
"Let me clarify. He didn't seek my counsel, I imposed myself on him. Look, I care for Indian cricket. He was walking past me and was staying in the same hotel, so I told him maybe you should try something. I don't know whether he is trying it. It looks like he is. But look, at the end of the day, it's about how strong you are mentally and he has shown he is very strong mentally," he said on-air, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Gavaskar also praised Agarwal for the patience he displayed at the beginning of his innings. He took 118 deliveries to notch up the half-century while his second fifty came in 71 balls, courtesy a gorgeous cover drive off Daryl Mitchell.
"The discipline he has shown at the beginning of a five-day game - not everybody can be a Virender Sehwag, who can get away to a flying start – but at the start of the innings, the discipline around the off-stump is so important. Not looking to play across the line and then get out LBW to an incoming delivery. So that is what he has shown. He played straight and later on when the spinners came in, he took calculated risks going inside out. Brilliantly executed shots," added Gavaskar.
(Inputs from Hindustan Times)
