ICC World Cup 2019: What promoted Mayank Agarwal’s selection over Ambati Rayudu?

A few days ago, Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the 2019 World Cup due to a fractured thumb. A couple of weeks later, Vijay Shankar has been ruled out of the mega event owing to a toe fracture. The 28-year-old Shankar missed the last match against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham due to the same injury and Rishabh Pant had the privilege of making his debut in the tournament.

In the meantime, the management has called upon Karnataka cricketer Mayank Agarwal as Shankar’s replacement. Agarwal made his international debut in the Test series against Australia last December and churned out 195 runs in a couple of games at an average of 65. As per reports, senior batsman Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu were also considered as replacements for Shankar.

Rahul Dravid has very good words for Mayank Agarwal

However, the 28-year-old Agarwal made the cut based on his impressive performance for the India A team in the tri-series in England last year. The 28-year-old had an impressive outing, finishing the tournament as the highest run-getter for India A, amassing 287 runs from four matches at an average and strike-rate of 71.75 and 105.90 respectively. Rayudu’s poor run of form in the recent times and Rahane’s difficulties while facing spin made the selectors zero in on Agarwal.

“Mayank has played for India A in England last year and did well – tri-series and was also the highest scorer in that series and India won and he’s known to exploit the power plays and plays spin better,” sources privy to the development was quoted as saying by Times Now.

“Rahul Dravid has very good words for him and that worked in his favour. Ajinkya gets stuck in the middle overs and has problems playing spin and Ambati Rayudu has failed in the recent past,” the sources added.

India lost their previous match versus England at the Edgbaston in Birmingham by 31 runs. Despite the drubbing, the Men in Blue, captained by Virat Kohli, are placed second in the points table. Their next match is on July 2 against Bangladesh at the same venue. India’s last match is against Sri Lanka.