IPL 2021: Mayank Agarwal’s coach speaks on the Punjab Kings star’s latest innings – In the Sunday evening match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC), Mayank Agarwal, Punjab’s opener, played a breathtaking innings of 69 – scored of only 36 balls.
Even though the innings ended on the losing side, its brilliance left an indelible impression upon all those who saw it. After a disappointing start to the season, on top of his exit from the Indian Test team, this knock was a much-needed comeback for the Karnataka batsman.
InsideSport talked to Mayank Agarwal’s coach R Muralidhar about his protégé’s latest knock as well as his great chemistry with KL Rahul at the top of the order.
Here are the extracts from the interview
Q) How crucial this innings, against KKR, was for Mayank considering he had suffered two failures in his first two matches of IPL 2021?
A) Every innings is important, he had sat out without playing for too long and was eager to get on the field. It’s important to get into a rhythm at the beginning of the tournament.
He has been batting well in the nets and that needs to be converted into performance (on the field). Against Rajasthan Royals, he looked good. Against Chennai Super Kings, he got a good ball upfront.
IPL 2021 InsideSport Exclusive interview with Mayank Agarwal’s coach
Q) Were you satisfied with the tempo that Mayank had during his knock of 69?
A) Yes, I am satisfied with the tempo of his innings. He was getting in good positions and achieved his IPS mentally.
Q) What makes Mayank’s partnership with KL Rahul at the top so effective?
A) They are one of the best opening pairs since the last edition. They complement each other well. It’s the comfort they bring in to each other that makes a lot of difference in such high-intensity matches.
Q) Now, with all teams having played at least two matches in IPL 2021, which side seems to be in the best rhythm, according to you?
A) RCB has found a good rhythm. They look like they have almost found their best combinations. But the challenge is the change in conditions. Now, teams will move to other venues and they need to adapt to those conditions.
IPL 2021 InsideSport Exclusive: Mayank Agarwal’s coach
Q) What do you have to say about the over from Kagiso Rabada in which Mayank hit him for consecutive sixes?
A) Cricket is a funny game. T20 is all about risk vs reward. When it comes off, it looks great. He took the risk of getting inside the line and go over mid-off and extra cover, and it came out well. In the first match, he tried the same thing and it did not come off. The difference in this game was that he was set. The second shot (especially) was well executed.
Q) Did you speak to Mayank before the match against KKR? If yes, what did you tell him – the dos and don’ts?
A) We speak quite often and our discussion revolves around ticking a few boxes that we have set. He did not tick one box that was set last night.