Australia vs India 2018: ‘It was a Tremendous Feeling to Get India Test Cap’ – Mayank Agarwal
Dec 26, 2018 at 6:03 PM
Boxing Day Test at the ‘G’ saw Mayank Agarwal making his debut for the India National Cricket Team. Having been waiting for one year now, the Karnataka batsman received his maiden Test cap on Wednesday. As India won the toss and elected to bat, all eyes were on Mayank. The right-hander batsman hit his first runs off the second over and had scored 76 in total before getting out.
Mayank opens up about his Test debut
Meanwhile, Mayank opened up about his emotions in the post-day conference and referred to his feelings as unreal. Speaking further, Mayank said he had a lot of emotions running through his mind, but he’s happy he has made it count.
“It was a tremendous feeling to get the India Test cap. I had a lot of emotions (running through mind) when I got the cap. I will cherish it for the rest of my life. The first thought was 295 (his India cap number),”
The right-hander also mentioned it wasn’t easy to get hold of those emotions on the pitch. Though he didn’t complete a dream three-digit number, Mayank’s maiden outing in international cricket left him convinced.
“It wasn’t easy to get hold of those emotions and focus there, but it needed to be done. I just stuck to my plans and just kept telling myself, “there is a plan that I have to go through, and I am just going to stick to that”. Even though it was overwhelming, it was good, and I am happy with the way I started,”
Getting to debut at MCG is special – Mayank
A special moment for @mayankcricket who is all set to make his debut at the MCG 📸🇮🇳👌🏻 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/r0J0eD9rXz
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2018
Furthermore, Mayank Agarwal was the 295th Indian to receive a Test cap. Before him, Prithvi Shaw debuted for India in the Windies Tests where Mayank also got picked. Talking about getting to start his career at the MCG itself, Agarwal looked ecstatic. However, the Karnataka opener talked about Ranji Trophy, and how it helped him grow as a batsman.
“I just want to say that whatever happened and whatever kept happening, I feel very, very special. I am very lucky because I made my debut at MCG. Every player has to go through scoring runs in the Ranji Trophy and doing what he has to do.
“I did that, and I am very happy about that. And I learnt a lot as well. When you play Ranji Trophy for five years and play in all parts of India, you learn a lot from that. You face different situations, and it’s always a great learning,”
At stumps on day one during the third Test, India stood tall at 215 for two with Kohli and Pujara batting at the crease. Meanwhile, the four-match Test series is tied at 1-1 at the moment.