Former India cricketer Ajit Agarkar feels opener Mayank Agarwal will struggle overseas if he doesn't improve on his technical aspect. Agarkar, part of the commentary team for the ongoing Test series between South Africa and India, was not too pleased by the recent form of the opener. The former Mumbai bowling all-rounder thinks that the Karanataka batter has a fault with his technique and is more exposed away from home.
“He could have done very little with this ball because it was close to the off-stump on a good length, moved away slightly after pitching and bounced as well. Mayank Agarwal has not played much in overseas conditions as well because he is the third or fourth opener,” the 44-year-old said.
He also believes that the 30-year-old has wasted a lot of chances this series and will have to improve on performances to keep his place intact. After his dismissal off Kagiso Rabada's bowling, the right-handed batter has scored 135 runs at a below par average of 22.50. His best score of 60 runs came in the first Test match in Centurion.
“He has wasted a chance because he started the series well. It is not easy when Rabada is in such a good rhythm, the way he was bowling, but he [Mayank] has technical faults. He gets out in the same way and he will get more exposed, especially, in overseas conditions,” Agarkar concluded.
After Day 3's play, India need quick wickets on Day 4 as the hosts are 111 runs away from winning the Cape Town Test and the series. Skipper Dean Elgar's wicket just before the conclusion of day's play was a huge boost but the hosts still have eight wickets in hand. Having already chased a 240-run target in Johannesburg, confidence will be high in the Proteas camp, as India try to win their first Test series on South African soil.
