Interview with Mayank Agarwal: "I started playing cricket because of Sachin Tendulkar"

Mayank Agarwal (centre) interacts with children at the batting clinic.

Mayank Agarwal, the Karnataka and Delhi Daredevils opening batsman, did something special today. He spread joy.

In a batting clinic organized for school children at the Green Country Public School, the former RCB player signed autographs for every single kid who requested for one, and tirelessly posed for countless pictures, not losing patience for even a moment.

He then spent over an hour giving tips to budding cricketers on various aspects of the game. And at the end of the session, every child left with a smile on his face and a mind, slightly richer about the nitty-gritties of the game.

Sportskeeda caught up with the explosive batsman and spoke to him about his career and his plans for the future. The following are the excerpts:

What got you interested in cricket?

I used to watch a lot of cricket on TV, and I guess the interest just built up. I started playing a bit of tennis ball cricket in school, and that’s when I really got keen on it.

What were the biggest challenges you’ve had to face?

I’ve been lucky, I’ve not had too many challenges until now. I’ve had all the support I needed – my parents and my entire family have backed my decision to play cricket and pursue it as a career. Also, my school Bishop Cottons has been very encouraging to budding sportspeople. And right now my college is being very helpful with respect to my studies.

How does it feel like to share the dressing rooms with international superstars, as you have done in the IPL?

Mayank Agarwal obliges the autograph hunters

It’s really nice to have all these senior players giving you so many inputs and ways to improve your game. It’s great to interact with them – there’s so much to learn from them, in terms of trying to understand how they go about their business. I see what I can pick up from them, and try and apply it in my game.

You’ve played for RCB and for DD. What’s the difference between the two dressing rooms?

I haven’t found too much of a difference between the two dressing rooms. Both dressing rooms are absolutely brilliant to be in, and the culture is amazing in both RCB and DD.

What do you do in your off-season, when there isn’t too much cricket being played?

Lately, I’ve been busy with my exams at Jain University. I just finished them, and now I look forward to spending some quality time with my family.

Your favourite cricketer?

It would have to be Virender Sehwag.

And your inspiration?

Sachin Tendulkar. I think I started playing cricket because of him.

Lastly, what’s your immediate goal?

Right now, I’m focussing on getting tons of runs in the Ranji Trophy. From there, I want to build on, climb up the ladder, and eventually play for the national team.