In spite of being a prolific run-scorer for his Ranji side Karnataka, Mayank Agarwal was an unknown personality in Indian cricket less than a year ago. The stylish right-handed batsman made his debut against Australia in December 2018. In that match, Mayank Agarwal provided a good start at the top of the order and was instrumental in setting the tone for India’s victory. In his debut series itself, Agarwal became part of a historic series win in Australia.

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Ind vs SA: Mayank Agarwal registers Test double

Mayank Agarwal’s rise in international cricket

After a successful outing in Australia, Mayank Agarwal resumed his role of opening the innings in the West Indies tour as well. However, the batsman had an average outing in the Caribbean, scoring just one half-century in two Tests. His 55 in the first innings of the second Test propelled the visitors to post a huge 416 as India wrapped the series 2-0.

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Mayank Agarwal debut hundred

In spite of his failures against West Indies, Mayank Agarwal was selected for the Indian squad for three home Tests against the visiting South African side. As the first Test went underway at the VDCA Stadium in Vishakhapatnam on October 2, the right-handed opener made full use of the batting-friendly conditions as he went onto score an unbeaten 84 at stumps. His partner, Rohit Sharma on the other end, also scored freely as India’s limited-overs specialist reached his own three-figure mark.

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On day two, Mayank Agarwal continued where he had left off the previous evening as he registered his maiden Test hundred. His century also made him India’s 86^th batsman to scale the three-figure mark in Tests. During the post-lunch session, the right-hander made sure that his maiden Test hundred gets converted into a double as he smashed the visitors all over the park in his six-hour stay at the crease. Mayank was finally dismissed for 215 by Elgar but he made sure that it was advantage-India at the time of his dismissal. His innings was laced with 23 fours and 6 sixes. His double century will also give him a much-needed boost as Team India continues their gruelling home season going forward.  

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