Opener Mayank Agarwal starred with the bat for India in their series-clinching 372-run victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
While Agarwal slammed a glorious 150 in the first innings, he scored 62 in the second dig. The right-hander was the top scorer for India in both innings.
Reflecting on Mayank’s performance in the second Test, batting legend VVS Laxman said that the opening batter played with a mindset he used to bat in first-class and international cricket.
“He has given a lot of importance to self-belief and it was great to see him coming in and expressing himself. I think he played with a mindset, which is similar to what he used to play in first-class and international cricket,” Laxman said on Star Sports’ show ‘Follow The Blues’.
Agarwal, who played the series in the absence of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, failed in the opening Test in Kanpur but regained his form in Mumbai to hit a Test ton after two years.
Laxman was particularly impressed with Mayank’s game against the Kiwi spinners.
“He hit some outstanding shots, especially against Ajaz Patel. His shot over long off and over extra cover for sixes are probably the best shots of his innings.”
He also spoke about the technical adjustments made by Agarwal during the Mumbai Test, where he trusted the game plan against Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee.
“Because in Kanpur in both the innings he got out at balls that were pitching on and outside the off stump, whereas in Mumbai, especially in the first innings, he was ready to leave a lot of deliveries.
“He was keeping his front foot in the pitch of the ball and he was playing with a lot of discipline. But when the spinners came in he was using his feet a lot,” said Laxman.
Mayank Agarwal is part of the Indian squad for the upcoming South Africa Test tour, starting December 26.
(With PTI inputs)
