Why Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal deserve a nod in the Indian ODI side
Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari rode the headlines after India recording series win against Australia. India sealed the four-match series 2-1 after the rain-hit Sydney Test ended in a draw on Monday. The triumph ended a 71-year wait for India.
Mayank Agarwal rose as the positive of the test series after having scored some brilliant fifties against a quality bowling attack of Australia. Mayank has a brilliant first class record and after a beaming 'A' tour for India, he had started knocking the doors of the selectors. He finally got the reward for his dazzling performances as he received a national call up against Australia and he didn't disappoint them.
Mayank Agarwal, the prolific right-hand opening batsman from Bengaluru, has been in great form of late, scoring truckload of runs in the last two years. Mayank also scored 1000 runs in a single month (27 days to precise) late last year.
He played 12 innings for India A against New Zealand, England and Australia he scored 724 runs at a marvellous average of 60. He has played 75 List A matches so far and has amassed 3605 runs at a decent average 49 and a marvellous strike rate of 100 with the highest score of 176. As seen in the test matches Mayank has a safe pair of hands too.
Though India have the pair of the most reliable openers but they are still in a slight spot of bother after KL Rahul miserable form has resulted in a loss of reliable back up opener. Mayank Agarwal with both form and confidence on his side is a very good option as a reserve opener for the national side in ODI's. He is an aggressive opener and potentially has the chances to make the ODI squad this year.
On the other hand talking about Hanuma Vihari, he too like Agarwal has been in fine form lately. By making his test debut after a scoring a brilliant hundred against England A in July. He has shown both attacking skills and patience in his short career so far.
After his debut, he single handedly took Andhra Pradesh to the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare trophy. Where he scored a brilliant 95 of 99 balls but couldn't take his team over the line. He averages 47 in his List A career after scoring 2579 runs at a healthy strike rate of 84 and a highest score of 169. As seen in the matches he has played, he also offers a handy bowling option in the middle overs.
India who have just now found the perfect number four in Ambati Rayadu but they also need to make sure of his back up in case he is injured or loses form. He can also replace captain Kohli if he is rested for some tours.
Mayank and Vihari are both talented cricketers and with age on their side they need to get a nod in the Indian squad as soon as possible.