There is only one Virender Sehwag: Mayank Agarwal

Hard-hitting Karnataka batsman Mayank Agarwal arguably had the best of comebacks one could ever think of. Last month, he was dismissed for ducks in both the innings in the Ranji Trophy encounter against Hyderabad. And now, in the very next game, he smashed a triple ton against Maharashtra. His aggressive brand of cricket has often fetched him comparisons with former India great Virender Sehwag.

However, the youngster feels that there can be no other player like Sehwag. As per the recent quotes in IBTimes, Mayank Agarwal expressed his happiness over his landmark feat. He admitted that there was no thought of a triple ton in his mind. It came to his mind only after he reached the 250-run mark.

“It is a very good feeling to have got a triple hundred. I got a pair in the last game and to have got something like this, I am extremely happy. Coming into this game I just wanted to give my best. I was focused on the process. I never thought I would get (300). To be honest, till 250 I never thought about it (triple ton). After I crossed 250 I thought I can get there but reminded myself that I should keep doing what I was doing. I said to myself whatever has to come will come. I never focused on triple ton,” quoted Mayank Agarwal.

On Virender Sehwag

Speaking about Virender Sehwag, who has two triple tons in Test cricket, Agarwal mentioned that he has always idolised him. He also conceded that he considers himself lucky to have had the opportunity to share a few words with Sehwag in person. Mayank became the third batsman from Karnataka, after KL Rahul and Karun Nair, to score triple century in Ranji Trophy.

“To be honest there is only one Virender Sehwag. He is very unique and a great character. I have idolised him. I have always looked up to him. I really enjoyed the way he played the game. I have been fortunate enough to meet him and interact with him a couple of times. He told me to enjoy the game,” said Agarwal.

On the IPL Experience

In his short career thus far, Mayank Agarwal has had the privilege of playing with the big names like MS Dhoni and Steve Smith. He was a part of the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise in the IPL this year. Albeit he could not impress with the opportunities that he got, Mayank certainly gained a lot playing with the big stars. He called the IPL to be a big learning experience.

“They (Dhoni, Yuvraj, Smith and others) always backed me. They always said to focus on the process and don’t think too much on the results and keep working hard. They told me to give importance to every game be it practice, state-level or any other match. They told me to enjoy every innings,” mentioned the hard hitting batsman.

On Rahul Dravid

Every young cricketer who has excelled at any stage in the recent times, has credited his success to Rahul Dravid. Mayank was no different. Even he cited that Dravid had provided valuable insights about the game which helped him a great deal.

“Obviously he (Dravid) is one of the greatest batsmen India ever had. His experience helped me. His advice to me was ‘playing according to the situation’,” conceded Mayank Agarwal.