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For a long, it has been known that Mayank Agarwal is a permanent fixture in the Indian cricket team. However, with his scintillating batting display in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he seems to be rewriting history. All the setbacks Agarwal went through, right from being dumped from the Indian team to staying unsold in the IPL, have all but forgotten as the lad is rediscovering himself again.
He has now plundered three successive hundreds in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and therefore, a compelling case for re-entry into the national team exists. But do the selectors acknowledge this and try to do some justice to such a player?
A Journey of Peaks and Valleys: From India to Domestic Cricket
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Mayank Agarwal’s journey has been a bumpy ride of highs and lows with the Indian team. Once upon a time, Agarwal was one of the most promising openers for India. His performances, especially in the longer format, had gained him a spot in the team, and it was believed that he was the future star. His impressive debut series and stable performances in Tests gave hope for a long career.
However, his form began to drop, and after the Bengaluru Test against Sri Lanka in 2022, he was out of the national team. Agarwal could not get back into the squad despite displaying some spark in domestic cricket since then.
The biggest shock that Agarwal faced was at the IPL 2025 auction, where he went unsold. This would be a setback for the batsman, particularly after having earlier stints of IPL, which showed flashes of brilliance. The lack of interest in him at the auction only added to the frustration that he was being left out of the Indian team, leaving people and analysts asking if he ever had a chance again at the highest level.
A Stellar Return to Form: Three Centuries in Three Matches
Mayank Agarwal has not been bogged down. His performances at the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year are nothing short of sensational. It is no exaggeration to claim that Agarwal has even scored three centuries in three consecutive matches. That does say a great deal about how consistent and technically sound he was.
This includes a magnificent 124 runs against Hyderabad at the ADSA Railways Cricket Ground in Ahmedabad. His innings of 124 runs came off 15 fours and 2 sixes, and it was built on solid technique and aggressive intent. This knock played a crucial role in Karnataka’s total of 320/8, further cementing his role as a dependable middle-order batsman.
Earlier, Agarwal had already given a glimpse of his brilliance with 139 against Punjab, who he faced 127 balls to hit 17 fours and 3 sixes. He again went on to score a destructive knock of 100* against Arunachal Pradesh, which came in just 45 balls as he smashed 7 fours and 7 sixes. The performance in the match helped Karnataka defeat Arunachal Pradesh by 10 wickets, as Agarwal’s aggressive innings led the charge.
A Message to the Selectors: Is Mayank Agarwal Ready for a Return?
These successive centuries haven’t only gotten Agarwal back into his good form but have also put forward a pretty straightforward message for Indian selectors. It has been a year in which some of India’s regular stars, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have failed to get their act together, and the question is whether such a player, as Agarwal, at the peak of his form, would be given an opportunity.
His outstanding performances in 50-over cricket make him a viable candidate for the Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England. Agarwal’s ability to anchor the innings, and accelerate when needed, could be a valuable asset for India, especially in the limited-overs formats.
The Larger Picture: Will Form Win Over Reputation?
As the Indian team finalizes its squad for future assignments, the dilemma remains whether the selectors will stick with established players who are going through a lean patch or will reward form and consistency. It would be interesting to see how Mayank Agarwal fares in the presence of KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, who have constantly shown their credentials. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most bankable players, are going through tough times at the bat while Mayank Agarwal will look to maintain his consistency for the domestic side.
Agarwal’s recent form could be the answer to India’s top-order woes. With the team looking to bolster its batting strength in the upcoming tournaments, he could be a much-needed breath of fresh air. But whether the selectors are ready to make such a bold decision remains to be seen.
Will Justice Be Served?
Mayank Agarwal’s comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has not only shown his batting ability but also posed an important question. Is it time for him to return to the Indian team? His performances have justified the inclusion, and it will be a disservice if good form is overlooked.
As the Indian selectors weigh their options for the upcoming international assignments, Mayank Agarwal’s consistent performances cannot be ignored. It remains to be seen whether the selectors will offer him the justice he deserves by giving him a spot in the squad, especially with India’s established players going through a rough patch. If his form continues, the call for his inclusion will only grow louder.
