JOIN US“It’s a dream to play for India. I am extremely happy,” Mayank Agarwal gushed after the prolific Karnataka opener was picked for the two-match Test series against the West Indies on Saturday.
The 27-year-old, who has lit up the Indian domestic scene for the last two seasons, finally got the big call-up that he was waiting for for a long while. And Agarwal, whose phone kept buzzing with congratulatory messages, said he was excited to don the Senior India jersey.
The right-hander was knocking the door of the senior team with staggering consistency, which saw him break many records over the last one year or so. Despite being ignored for the England tour, the 27-year-old didn’t allow the disappointment to get the better of him and plundered runs for India ‘A’ and Karnataka and his selection didn’t come as a surprise.
Agarwal, a composed character, remained unflustered whenever the India selection eluded him in the past. “My job is to not bother about it (selection). It’s not in my control. I am focused on doing things that are working for me,” Agarwal had told DH recently.
The Bengalurean’s immense patience finally paid off. “I am not thinking too much about what was said in the past. I want to extend my good form. I am very happy but I am also focused about my job ahead,” responded Agarwal in his typical nonchalant manner.
Apart from Agarwal, Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Siraj received his maiden call-up in the 15-member squad to be led by Virat Kohli. Opener Shikhar Dhawan, who had a horrid England series, was axed while the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah were rested.
In other changes, Karun Nair and Dinesh Karthik too were left out while Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya weren’t considered as they are yet to recover from their injuries.
The first Test is at Rajkot from October 4-8 while the second game is at Hyderabad from October 12-6.