Mayank Agrawal has been unlucky to lose his opening slot for India in test cricket despite averaging close to 50. Beginning with a bang Agarwal, who has scored over 1000 runs from 16 matches including two double centuries, four centuries and five half centuries, was first called up in Australia to replace a struggling KL Rahul at the top of the order. He did wonders for the side in the last two test matches, helping India to win the series Down Under. Agarwal struck his first double century against South Africa at home and formed a terrific opening pair with Rohit Sharma. However, after a couple of failures in New Zealand and Australia, he was done away with quite quickly. Aggarwal had an opportunity to be India's opener alongside Rohit Sharma in the five match test series against England after an injury to Shubman Gill. However, he was concussed on the eve of the first test match and KL Rahul took his spot. Agarwal's moment in the sun Agarwal finally got a run in the two match test series against New Zealand at home and he did not disappoint, cracking 150 and 62 in the Mumbai test match. "When I was picked here, Rahul bhai came and spoke to me," Agarwal said. "He told me, 'Listen, just control what is in your hands. You have this opportunity, go out there, give your best, and that's all we ask of you. And when you get set, make it big.' I am happy. I am happy that when I got set, I could capitalise. But yeah that was very clear from Rahul bhai. This innings was more about grit and determination, sticking to a plan, to have the mental discipline to be at that plan, and just be at it. I know there were times when I didn't look good, but it didn't make much of a difference as long as the job was getting done." "Mid-series you don't want to be thinking about technique. That's something that even Rahul bhai spoke to me about. He said don't worry about your technique. Just rely on your game plans. That's something I did. This innings was all about grit and determination, and nothing related to technique.To attack Ajaz was a plan because I thought he bowled exceedingly well today. He kept bowling in a cluster and he kept putting pressure. Anything that was in our half, I was definitely looking to go."
