Mayank Agarwal https://www.cricketwinner.com Mayank Agarwal Fri, 22 Nov 2024 20:13:27 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[Mayank Agarwal Admitted to Agartala Hospital for…]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/mayank-agarwal-admitted-to-agartala-hospital-for/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/mayank-agarwal-admitted-to-agartala-hospital-for/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:32:20 GMT

Indian cricketer Mayank Agarwal found himself hospitalized in Agartala following the alleged consumption of contaminated water during a flight from Agartala, Tripura, to Surat, Gujarat. The unfortunate incident unfolded after Agarwal, who had recently led Karnataka to victory over Tripura in a Ranji match, fell ill upon drinking the tainted water provided on the flight. Complaints of a burning sensation in his mouth surfaced immediately after ingestion.

Currently, Mayank Agarwal is receiving medical attention at ILS Hospital in Agartala. Disturbingly, reports indicate that he is experiencing difficulty in speaking, leading to his transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) after the initial rounds of treatment. The cricket community and fans anxiously await updates on his condition and wish him a speedy recovery.

Mayank Agarwal Admitted to Hospital Following Consumption of Contaminated Water

Indian cricketer and captain of the Karnataka Ranji team, Mayank Agarwal, is currently under hospital care at ILS Hospital in Agartala. His hospitalization transpired during a flight from Agartala to Surat when he reported a burning sensation in his mouth and throat, prompting swift medical attention.

Additional information reveals a concerning incident where an acid bottle was mistakenly placed in the water storage area by the cabin crew, leading Mayank Agarwal to unintentionally consume the acid, mistaking it for water. Fortunately, he promptly spat out the substance upon realizing the unusual taste. Medical professionals are actively treating him, expressing optimism that minimal amounts of acid may have reached his stomach. Simultaneously, the flight crew has taken possession of the water bottle, initiating an investigation into the alarming mishap.

The upcoming Ranji Trophy match is poised to witness Karnataka facing off against the railways at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat starting from February 2. Notably, Karnataka’s team manager, Ramesh, was also reported to have disembarked from the plane en route to Surat. The well-being and medication of Mayank Agarwal, a pivotal player for Karnataka Cricket, are receiving utmost attention from concerned parties.

Mayank Agarwal has been in exceptional form during the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, amassing 460 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 44.28, which includes two centuries. In the 2022-23 Rannji Trophy season, he emerged as the top run-scorer with a remarkable tally of 990 runs in nine matches, featuring three centuries and six half-centuries, at an average of 82.50.

Despite his recent prolific performances, Mayank Agarwal was not included among the replacements for the second Test against England in Vizag, commencing on February 2. The Indian team is already grappling with the absence of Virat Kohli, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja will also be sidelined due to injury concerns. Mayank’s last appearance for India in Test cricket was in March 2022 against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, marking his 21st Test match, where he has accumulated 1488 runs at an average of 41.33, featuring four centuries and six half-centuries.

SEE ALSO:U19 World Cup: Musheer’s Century Highlights Indian Dominance Against New Zealand

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<![CDATA[IPL 2023: 5 Players who flopped last season but currently are in top form]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/ipl-2023-5-players-who-flopped-last-season-but-currently-are-in-top-form/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/ipl-2023-5-players-who-flopped-last-season-but-currently-are-in-top-form/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 18:48:03 GMT

In last year’s IPL, many well-known players underperformed. Marquee names like Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson and Pollard had dreadful seasons. The emerging talents from IPL 2021- Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy were gloomy for KKR. Some laudable impactful names like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj also looked off-colour.

But before IPL 2023, most of these mentioned players look in the top form currently. Already in 2023, these cricketers have thrived in both international and domestic cricket. Hopefully, they’ll be expected to give a blockbuster season for their respective franchises.

Therefore in this list, let’s check out 5 players who flopped last season but currently are in top form.

1. Virat Kohli

IPL 2023: 5 Players who flopped last season but currently are in top form
Virat Kohli is off to a blistering start in 2023

Well, King Kohli, for RCB last year had a decent season. At least by his set standards, Virat didn’t even reach 400 runs. Cumulatively, the former RCB skipper scored 341 runs from 16 games at an average of 22.73. Both his average and strike rate (115.99) were the lowest compared to his last six IPL seasons. The only silver lining was his two fifty-plus scores.

However, since the 2022 Asia Cup, this 34-year legend has found his old batting form back. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Kohli emerged as the highest run-scorer (M-6, R-296, AVG-98.67). Presently in ODIs in 2023, the cricketer is back averaging above fifty (53.37) along with resuming his constant three-digit scores. Truly for RCB, Kohli is expected to exhibit his best like the 2016 season.

Unsurprisingly, in his opening game, the opener also had a ball of a time against MI bowlers. Overall his 82* from 49 balls indeed is a sign that this behemoth might even fetch the IPL 2023’s orange cap.

Mayank Agarwal

IPL 2023: 5 Players who flopped last season but currently are in top form
Captaincy proved to be tough on Agarwal last season

Before IPL 2022, Mayank was impressively scoring runs for Punjab. The cricketer in both IPL 2020 and 2021 seasons had amassed 400-plus runs twice. As a reliable top-order batter, Mayank cumulatively averaged almost 40 and was striking at 148. However last year, as the new skipper of PBKS, Mayank had a very ordinary time.

Sadly in his 13 appearances, the 32-year-old scored just 196 runs at an average of 16.33. His batting position was never fixed and often juggled for floaters like Jonny Bairstow and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Consequently, the franchise released him before the 2023 auction. Presently SRH has signed Mayank for INR 8.25 Crore.

However post his PBKS snub, this Karnataka cricketer has again started to stack oodles of runs. In the 2022-23 Ranji season, Mayank emerged as the tournament’s highest run-getter. By averaging 82.50, Agarwal scored 990 runs in his 13 innings. That’s why for Hyderabad, Mayank will look to bat with his enriching batting form.

Overall, the orange army’s explosive batting order will easily allow this cricketer to play his natural game. Maybe in the 2023 season, Mayank might also find SRH as his new IPL home.

Mohammed Siraj

IPL 2023: 5 Players who flopped last season but currently are in top form
Mohammad Siraj struggled to create 2021’s spark in 2022

This pacer for RCB hasn’t had a breakthrough IPL season since 2020. In IPL 2021, Siraj was reasonably good scalping 11 wickets at an economy of 6.78. However last year, the 29-year-old had an even more severe downfall. From his 15 appearances, Siraj picked just 9 wickets at a higher economy of 10.8.

Unfortunately, the bowler in IPL 2022 was found erratic both in power plays and at the death overs. Bitterly, Siraj also exhibited his worst IPL economy rate last year. But currently, before joining IPL 2023, the speedster enjoyed substantial white-ball success for India.

In 2023 ODIs so far, Siraj has been amongst the wickets. In his eight 50-over games, the Hyderabad bowler has profusely scalped 19 wickets. Hence certainly for the Bangalore franchise, Siraj’s white-ball bowling form will be a boon. Overall now in the absence of Reece Topley and Josh Hazlewood, Siraj will have to bring his best A game for the red army.

Ravindra Jadeja

IPL 2023: 5 Players who flopped last season but currently are in top form
Ravindra Jadeja has been in supreme form for India after returning from injury

Undoubtedly in IPL 2021, Jadeja was the most valuable player for CSK. To help his franchise win the trophy, the all-rounder produced a blockbuster season. From his bat, Jadeja scored 227 runs at an average of 75 and a strike rate of 145. Even with his bowling, the spinner scalped 13 wickets from 16 games. As result, the cricketer also then got signed for INR 16 Crore for IPL 2022.

But agonizingly, Jadeja came nowhere close to his lofty IPL salary. In IPL 2022, southpaw had a very disappointing season. With his bat, Jadeja just produced 166 runs at an average of 19.33 having a strike rate of 118.37. His wickets tally also plummeted to 5 scalps. In between, the abrupt captaincy transfer to MS Dhoni also became an unpleasant experience.

However as of now, the 33-year-old is enjoying and exhibiting his best cricket. After his injury comeback, Jadeja had a successful BGT red-ball series. Even in ODIs against Australia, his 45* run knock was a match-winning cause. Hence this year for CSK, the southpaw will be expected to thrive like the 2021 season.

Vijay Shankar

IPL 2023: 5 Players who flopped last season but currently are in top form
Vijay Shankar has been batting with a lot more freedom and is thriving.

In the mega auction of IPL 2022, Vijay Shankar was signed for INR 1.4 Crore by the GT. The franchise initially also dwelled this all-rounder in their playing XI. But the cricketer just played 4 matches for Gujarat. Sadly in those appearances, Vijay Shankar didn’t create any major impact. Comprehensively in the IPL, this cricketer is yet to produce his first breakthrough season.

However after IPL 2022, the 32-year-old firstly went for his shoulder surgery. Thankfully after his surgery, Shankar has found his batting form back. Recently in the 2022-23 Ranji season, the batter stacked runs for Tamil Nadu. Shankar smashed three centuries, especially against Maharashtra and Mumbai. Therefore with runs under his belt, Shankar is expected to prosper for GT.

Optimistically, the franchise again had him picked for their opening game against CSK. In response, Shankar decently played a cameo of 27 runs thus helping Gujarat fetch their first win. Overall in IPL 2023, Shankar can be a useful cricketer for GT to defend their title.

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<![CDATA[SRH New Skipper Aiden Markram Praised By Mayank Agarwal & Shared: “I Call Him The Machine”]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/srh-new-skipper-aiden-markram-praised-by-mayank-agarwal-shared-i-call-him-the-machine/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/srh-new-skipper-aiden-markram-praised-by-mayank-agarwal-shared-i-call-him-the-machine/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:29:08 GMT

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) recently announced Aiden Markram as their new skipper for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Markram, who is known for his aggressive batting style and flawless leadership skills, has already won the hearts of his teammates and fans.

One of Aiden Markram’s biggest enthusiasts is Mayank Agarwal, the batsman of Karnataka

Recently on SRH’s youtube channel, Agarwal showered praise on Markram and compared to him “the machine.”

“He is a great guy. Apart from being a fantastic cricketer, he is a great guy. So that tells you a lot about him. I call him the machine, and that’s for a reason. Somebody who works really hard on his game, who really thinks a lot about his game, and who is genuinely a great guy, and who has a very happy and relaxed vibe around him, ”

Agarwal’s comments were echoed by other members of the cricket faculty, who have been attracted by Markram’s performance in recent years. Markram made his international debut for South Africa in 2017 and has since become one of their most trusted batsmen.

Image Source: India Today

Markram has also led South Africa in the past and has shown his leadership skills on multiple occasions. He led the team to a series win against India in 2018 and was praised for his strategic acumen and ability to inspire his teammates.

Markram’s adoption as SRH skipper has come as a surprise to many, given that he was not a part of the original squad. However, he was drafted in as a substitution for Mitchell Marsh, who pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

Despite the late entry, Aiden Markram has quickly adapted to the SRH setup and has impressed his teammates with his work ethic and dedication. He has been seen putting in long hours at the training ground and has been actively involved in team meetings and strategy sessions.

Markram has also been vocal about his plans for the team and has emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication. He has urged his teammates to focus on their strengths and play with a positive mindset.

Markram’s enthusiasm and leadership skills have already had a positive impact on the SRH team, and they will be hoping to make a strong start to the tournament under his captaincy. The team will begin its campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11.

In conclusion, Markram’s appointment as SRH skipper has been widely applauded, and he has already won the respect of his teammates and fans. With his focus, determination, and tactical sharpness, Markram is well-equipped to lead the SRH team to success in the upcoming IPL season.

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<![CDATA[Indian players lowers their base price before IPL Auction]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/indian-players-lowers-their-base-price-before-ipl-auction/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/indian-players-lowers-their-base-price-before-ipl-auction/ Thu, 01 Dec 2022 19:53:30 GMT

Sam Curran, who was the player in the final and the tournament at the 2022 World Cup. Is among 21 men who have listed the maximum reserve price of INR 2 crore for the 2023 IPL auction. Australian allrounder Cameron Green, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Nicholas Pooran. Who stepped down recently as West Indies white-ball captain. Overseas allrouders have always been a mega hit at mini auctions and the in-form trio of Curran, Stokes and Green will fancy a fat pay cheque as an early Christmas present on December 23. While Green has never featured in IPL, the England duo have significant experience.

Image Source: Cricket Times

A total of 991 players (714 Indian and 277 overseas) are part of the initial long list. Which the IPL shared with the 10 franchises on Thursday. The IPL will prune this down based on input from the franchises. Who have until December 9 to get back to the tournament authorities. Green turned a lot of heads during Australia’s white-ball series in India just before the T20 World Cup where he scored 118 runs at a strike rate of 214.54 while opening the batting. Coupled with his bowling the 23-year old could prove to be a big asset in T20 cricket.

Also Read: Tamim Iqbal out of Bangladesh’s ODI series against India, in doubt for Tests

Rahane, Ishant, Mayank, and more are ready to get picked by teams this auction

The list of 19 capped Indians mainly comprises discarded national players including Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Ishant, who had gone unsold in 2022, is asking for 75 lakh. Agarwal has listed his base price at 1 crore. Left-arm fast bowler Unadkat, who has been among the highest-paid players at IPL auctions, has listed his base price at 50 lakh. Unadkat, having led Saurashtra to the Vijay Hazare Trophy final.

Image Source: Sportstar

The 1 crore band: Mayank Agarwal, Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Moises Henriques, Andrew Tye, Joe Root, Luke Wood, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Heinrich Klaasen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kusal Perera, Roston Chase, Rakheem Cornwall, Shai Hope, Akeal Hossein, David Wiese

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<![CDATA[Shikhar Dhawan to replace Mayank Agarwal as Punjab Kings captain from IPL 2023]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/shikhar-dhawan-to-replace-mayank-agarwal-as-punjab-kings-captain-from-ipl-2023/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/shikhar-dhawan-to-replace-mayank-agarwal-as-punjab-kings-captain-from-ipl-2023/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:44:17 GMT

Shikhar Dhawan is set to replace Mayank Agarwal as captain of Punjab Kings from IPL 2023. Dhawan’s elevation was approved on Wednesday during a franchise board meeting and was backed by Trevor Bayliss, Kings’ newly appointed head coach. Dhawan, 36, will take over from Agarwal who was appointed captain just before IPL 2022. Agarwal was one of two players – Arshdeep Singh being the other – who had been retained by Kings ahead of the mega auction, where Dhawan was the first player they bought.

Image Source: Jagran

Earlier this year, Kings paid INR 8.25 crore to pick Dhawan. Who has been among the most consistent batters since the 2016 IPL. He had a stellar 2020 season where he scored 618 runs at a strike rate of nearly 145 for Delhi Capitals. Who had traded him in from Sunrisers Hyderabad. In his first season for Kings, Dhawan scored 460 runs in 14 matches with an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 122.66.

Also Read: T20 World Cup’22, IND vs BAN: IND wins by 5 runs!

Punjab Kings to get new captain as Shikhar Dhawan

Agarwal joined the Punjab franchise in 2018 and forged a strong opening pairing with KL Rahul. His elevation up from the ranks coincided with a dip in form though. Agarwal scored just 196 runs in 13 matches at an average of 16.33. The team didn’t do very well either. Kings ended the season in sixth place. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, during his stint on T20 Time: Out programme. Was the first leading voice to suggest that Agarwal needed to be relieved of captaincy.

Image Source: Twitter

Dhawan is among the most experienced players in the IPL having been part of it since the inaugural season in 2008. He has also been leading second-string India teams in ODIs, with his next assignment a three-match series in New Zealand. Overall in IPL, Dhawan has been captain in 11 matches (ten at Sunrisers in 2014. One for Kings last year) with four wins and seven losses.

It remains to be seen whether Kings will retain or release Agarwal. Franchises have until November 15 to submit a list of the players they want to keep ahead of the next IPL. While Kings settled with Agarwal to pay him a salary of INR 12 crore. As per the IPL retention rules, 18 crore was deducted from their overall purse – 14 crore for Agarwal and 4 crore for Arshdeep, who was uncapped at the time.

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<![CDATA[Mayank Agarwal set to join India on England tour!]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/mayank-agarwal-set-to-join-india-on-england-tour/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/mayank-agarwal-set-to-join-india-on-england-tour/ Mon, 27 Jun 2022 06:51:09 GMT

India batter Mayank Agarwal is good to go to join Team India’s squad as an alternative for skipper Rohit Sharma for the impending fifth Test against England.

Mayank Agarwal set to join India for England Tour (Image Source: India Today)
Rohit Sharma had tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) directed on Saturday.

As per ESPNcricinfo, Agarwal will fly out to England on Monday and link up with the remainder of the Indian squad tonight. According to the most recent government rules, Agarwal won’t be expected to go through any quarantine, and will in this manner be accessible to play right away if required.

Also Read: Kemar Roach Joins Legendary Club After a See-Saw Career.

Prior, Agarwal was avoided with regards to Team India’s crew for the Edgbaston Test named in May however KL Rahul’s physical injury and questions over Rohit Sharma’s recovery have allowed an opportunity to him.

Agarwal played his last Test match in March against Sri Lanka, where he scored just 59 runs in two matches, an average of 19.66. Afterward, he captained Punjab Kings in IPL 2022 and had a neglectful season.

The player could oversee just 196 runs in 14 matches, a normal of 16.33 and a strike pace of 122.5, as the team finished 6th on the table.

Coming to the fifth Test, India and England will be squaring off for the one-off Test at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on July 1.

The rescheduled match is a part of last year’s five-match Test series that had to be postponed after the fourth Test because of a COVID-19 episode in the Indian camp.

Mayank took to social media to share a photograph of his flight to Birmingham. The India opener, who was not picked in the underlying crew after a disheartening show at home against Sri Lanka recently, is supposed to arrive at England later at night.

Outstandingly, Rohit drove India in the 4-day practice match against Leicestershire last week. The Indian captain batted in the first innings and scored 25 runs yet he didn’t take the field during the second innings, raising many eyebrows. The BCCI affirmed on Sunday that Rohit would go through a RT-PCR test which would decide his CT value.

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<![CDATA[India vs SA, 1st Test: Resolute KL Rahul Helps India Tick the Right Boxes On Day 1]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/india-vs-sa-kl-rahul-helps-india-on-day-1/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/india-vs-sa-kl-rahul-helps-india-on-day-1/ Sun, 26 Dec 2021 18:17:58 GMT

If Rahul Dravid, as the coach had a checklist of boxes he wanted India to tick, he would have been a happy man, by and large, at the end of the first day’s play in Centurion. Virat Kohli did the first bit by winning the toss. Even the conditions being overcast at the time, and the pitch having a tinge of green on it, Kohli chose to bat.  With that having been done, there was a serious responsibility at hand for the opening batsmen. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal showed a sense of purpose and understanding of what needed to be done.

India vs SA: Openers KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal create history, achieve  unique feat vs Proteas
Credits: DNA India

It has often been said that this is India’s best chance to finally win a series in South Africa. By the time the first hour of play was done, it became a question of if not now, then when? Rahul took his time to get his eye in while Agarwal played a few more shots. At no stage, however, did it appear that Rahul was stuck. Rather, he was biding his time and simultaneously assessing the conditions. It soon became obvious that South Africa’s bowlers were short of red-ball cricket. Lines and lengths were all over the place and there was little pressure applied in the first session.

The only time India was in danger was when Agarwal poked at one from left-arm seamer Marco Jansen, who generated a bit of extra bounce, not unsurprisingly since he is six foot eight inches tall. The regulation nick was put down by Quinton de Kock, and Agarwal had been given a life on 36. Agarwal pressed on, getting to his half-century, and was dismissed completely against the run of play on 60. Lungi Ngidi managed to evade bat and strike the pad, but umpire Marais Erasmus ruled in the batsman’s favor. To the naked eye and even on replays it appeared that the ball was slipping down the leg and even going over the stumps.

Must Read: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Today Match Prediction

India made a solid start for Day 1

When the review came it took ages for the broadcasters to get to ball tracking. And when they did it was not the usual routine of three things — where the ball pitched, what the point of impact was, and whether it was hitting the stumps. Yet, the projection showed the ball hitting the top of the leg stump and a hugely disappointed Agarwal had to walk off. While feeling for his partner and friend, Rahul had to quickly double down on resolve when Cheteshwar Pujara went for a first-ball duck. Rahul had done the hard yards, and he could not afford to let that go to waste.

IND vs SA, 1st Test: Why are South Africa players wearing black armbands in  Centurion? | Cricket - Hindustan Times
Credits: Hindustan Times

Thankfully for the Indian team, there was no shortage of resolve or concentration from Rahul. All-day, Rahul did not play at deliveries that could be left alone. He did not manufacture shots, and the one time he was tempted into helping the ball along towards fine-leg, the fielder was late to react and could not get to the ball. Once again Rahul reminded himself that his wicket was a precious one and that bowlers were going to have to earn it if they wanted it. There was a gentle rhythm to the manner in which Rahul batted, and a high level of fitness as well.

While the morning had begun cool, the sun was out in some force the afternoon, and yet, at no point was Rahul slowing down in his running between the wickets or hesitant to go for a sharp yet safe run when it was there. In bringing up his 7th Test hundred, Rahul ticked another box. He has now scored a hundred in every country where he has got an opportunity. Twice in England, and once each in Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies, India, and now South Africa, the sign of a batsman who can change his approach and adapt to conditions. Agarwal explained what was working for Rahul.

“As someone who’s watching him closely, what I have observed is that he really understands where his off stump is,” said Agarwal. “He is disciplined with his game plans and mindset,” Agarwal revealed that the plan early on had nothing to do with scoring runs. “To be honest, the plan was to be very disciplined. Only look to play balls on the stumps,” he said. “Centre-wicket practice sessions helped us get a feel of situations, conditions, and what we would encounter in the Test match,” Agarwal added that Dravid had some specific things to tell his players about batting overseas.

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<![CDATA[India vs New Zealand 2021: Centurion Mayank Puts India on Top After Kohli's Controversial Dismissal]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/centurion-mayank-puts-india-on-top/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/centurion-mayank-puts-india-on-top/ Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:54:20 GMT

Team India opener Mayank Agarwal pull India back on the game on Day 1 of the second Test match against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The visitors managed to trigger a mini-collapse of a three-wicket burst in 10 balls by Ajaz Patel, but Mayank slammed a gritty century to pull them back in the game. Mayank was unbeaten on 120 at stumps alongside Wriddhiman Saha at stumps as India posted 221/4. The morning session of the match was wiped off due to a wet outfield after overnight heavy rain. Skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first after his return to competitive cricket after a short break.

Mayank Agarwal Returns to Form, the talented India opener has ended his 2-year-long century drought on Friday as he reached the triple-figure mark last time in November 2019 when he converted his ton to a double hundred against Bangladesh in Indore. After failing to capitalize on the opportunity in the first Test where he was 13 and 17 in absence of regular openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, Mayank returned to form at the perfect time to lead India fightback against a quality bowling unit. He shared several crucial partnerships with other batters to stabilize India’s innings.

Mayank has a good record of converting the century into a big score and he will look to emulate the same on Saturday. Ayaz Patel Spun Web, spinner Ajaz Patel spun the web around India’s batting order to give New Zealand an edge over hosts in the middle overs. Ajaz was the standout bowler of the day and also the only one who got his name on the scoreboard with wickets under his kitty. He started troubling India by breaking a solid 80-run opening stand between Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill. He later struck twice in the same over to dismiss India’s captain Virat Kohli and number three Cheteshwar Pujara for ducks. While in-form Shreyas Iyer (18) was his last victim.

Must Read: India face a welcome dilemma with the return of skipper Kohli

Dravid’s Encouraging Words Help Indian Centurion Agarwal

Virat Kohli’s Controversial Dismissal, on his return after a brief break, Kohli failed to open his account as he was adjourned LBW on Ajaz Patel’s delivery. However, the dismissal raised several eyebrows as Kohli decided to take the review and the replay showed that the ball hitting the bat first. But the third umpire Virender Sharma felt that the evidence was inconclusive and asked the on-field umpire, Anil Chaudhary, to stick to his decision. The Indian skipper wasn’t happy with the decision as he had a chat with umpire Chaudhary before leaving the ground, he also slammed the bat to the ground.

Live: Black Caps vs India, second test day one at Mumbai | Stuff.co.nz
Credits: Stuff.co.nz

The TV cameras then caught him standing in the dressing room balcony, visibly upset with the decision, which was a touch-and-go one. Cheteshwar Pujara’s Rough Patch Continues, Pujara’s rough patch continues as he was dismissed on a duck in the first innings as his stay in the middle was cut short by Ajaz Patel. The Test specialist faced just five balls in the innings as the century drought continues for him. He last reached a triple-figure mark way back in January 2019. In the first match, he scored 22 and 26 as the pressure is now mounting on him to perform and save his place in the playing XI as some talented young players are in queue knocking on the doors.

The Karnataka opener, who has scored two double centuries in Tests so far, highlighted that the first session on Saturday will be crucial. “It’s going to be very important, how we start is crucial, the focus is that. The first session we want to play it out, the wicket is going to get harder and harder to bat on,” he said, adding the pitch was helping those who were giving the ball a lot of revs. On completing his hundred with a four, Agarwal said, “It’s an amazing feeling to get a century in Test cricket, and to get it in Wankhede is extra special.”

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<![CDATA[Rahul and Shahrukh save Punjab Kings from exiting IPL 2021.]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/kolkata-knight-riders-loose-by-5-wickets-against-punjab-kings/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/kolkata-knight-riders-loose-by-5-wickets-against-punjab-kings/ Sat, 02 Oct 2021 10:35:11 GMT

KL Rahul led the charge brilliantly from the front, helping Punjab Kings cross the finishing line with a composed 55-ball 67 and keeping his team’s playoff berth alive with a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai on Friday.

The competition is tough now! Punjab kings‘ left the ground with a happy heart and with high hopes after they qualified for the playoffs defeating KKR by five wickets at Dubai International Stadium. Now three teams, KKR, PBKS and MI will be battling for the fourth position.

Rahul won the toss and chose to bowl restricting Kolkata to 165 with 7 wickets down. with the Knight Riders scoring only 44 of the last five overs. Without an efficient fifth bowler, Kolkata was unable to restrict Punjab from reaching their target on 5-168 with three balls remaining. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal’s 70-run opening partnership set them up perfectly for the chase. Rahul took the player of the match award for his splendid performance of  67 off 55 balls, with four fours and two sixes.

Punjab’s Shahrukh Khan hit the winning runs, a six off Venkatesh Iyer. KKR had played yesterday without Lockie Ferguson, picking Tim Seifert instead. This meant they were a bowler short and had to depend on Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana to complete the fifth bowler’s quota. Kolkata’s fielding was utterly poor, with captain Eoin Morgan dropping Mayank Agarwal. “Deserved to Win Because They Seized Key Moments”, says KKR Coach Brendon McCullum.

Here, Morgan again becomes questionable whether he is still best suited to be the team’s captain or not .The reason being Karthik changed to Morgan has not done justice is clear from yesterday’s picture. However, KL Rahul is always going to be Punjab Kings’ main man chasing a 166-run target against Kolkata Knight Riders, providing justice to his team and his name.

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