Mayank Agarwal had memorable outing in the Indian Premier League - amassing 441 runs in 12 outings - and he hopes to keep that momentum going in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on Thursday.
“I am very happy with the performances I have put in for Punjab. Some big knocks against the top teams was a very satisfying feeling. There were a few learnings too, and that’s something I have worked on post IPL,” Agarwal, one of the key batters for Karnataka, said.
Being a seasoned campaigner in the T20 format, Agarwal has scored as many as 3834 runs in 159 matches, including two centuries and 24 half-centuries. As the domestic season returns to action, he aims to make the most out of the tournament and be in contention for a spot in Team India's upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
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"I have always tried to make the best use of the powerplay, and that was the role that was given to me. I am happy that I am able to do that for the side and also look to bat through whenever the opportunity presents itself. I enjoy taking the responsibilities to sometimes bat through the innings as well," he said.
"I have also realised that if I can bat 20 overs, then I give my team the best opportunity to score a massive score, and that’s something I have been conscious about and looked to implement," he added.
Having missed out on the top four in the previous season, the champions of back-to-back seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20), Karnataka is looking forward to redemption. It takes on Mumbai in its first match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021-22 in Guwahati.
Speaking about the team and their preparations for the tournament, Agarwal said, "It’s a very talented team with a lot of players playing for the country and IPL teams. Everyone is hungry to do well and win tournaments for the state and that’s something that we have spoken about. We had a very good pre-season camp in Bangalore and played a few practice matches as well. We are looking forward to what lies ahead."
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Agarwal will be seen opening with Devdutt Padikkal in the tournament. He stated that it will be a good opportunity for both the players and they will look to play with freedom.
"It will be a good opportunity for us to give Karnataka the start it needs, and play with freedom and express ourselves," he signed off.
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