Uncapped India XI

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal has been a limited overs specialist, but has recently started performing very well in the longer format

Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal has been one of the most prolific run-getters in Indian domestic cricket in the last few years. Initially seen as a limited overs specialist, Agarwal has found his groove in the longer format in the last two seasons – most recently gleaned through his run of scores in the ongoing Duleep Trophy – 92, 161, 58. Another big score in the final is only expected.

He has been a proven match winner for India ‘A’ sides in the shorter versions. His 49-ball 87 against South Africa last year made more news than most of the India batsmen’s innings against South Africa in the ODI series that followed. He has sporadically come up with match-winning performances for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL as well.

However, Agarwal’s remodelling of his game in the longer version is what is most promising about him at the moment. Dropped in the 2014/15 season from the Karnataka Ranji team, he lost a lot of weight in the off season and focussed on his fitness. Last season, he scored his maiden first-class century, and has followed it up in the Duleep Trophy with a second.