Why was Mayank Agarwal ignored by BCCI selectors?
What's the story
Karnataka opener Mayank Agarwal has been the talk of Indian cricket over the last few months ever since he struck a triple-hundred at the start of the Ranji season. The right-handed batsman has scored over 2,000 runs this season across all formats. He was repeatedly ignored by national selectors despite knocking on their doors.
Heartbreak
Mayank ignored for Nidahas tri-series
Mayank Agarwal's red-hot form has certainly made him a contender for a spot in Team India. When several players were rested for the Nidahas tri-series, Mayank's selection seemed imminent. But the Karnataka opener missed out on the opportunity despite his performances. Why was the 27-year-old ignored despite doing everything right to get a national call-up?
Data
Squad was selected before Vijay Hazare trophy final
According to a report in The Indian Express, the squad for upcoming Nidahas Trophy was chosen on February 20. This was before Mayank scored a brilliant 90 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. Therefore, his blistering performance with the bat didn't matter.
Days ahead
BCCI had selected squad on February 20
BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary called for a selection meet on February 20 at the BCCI office in Mumbai. The BCCI notice read "A meeting of the senior selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India will be held on Tuesday, 20th February 2018 at 11 am IST at BCCI HQ, Cricket Centre."
In the recoking
BCCI announced the squad after SA series
Despite selecting the squad, BCCI announced it only after India's tour of South Africa got over. Several officials confirmed the same. Chief selector MSK Prasad spoke to Mayank post the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. Mayank finished the tournament with 723 runs, almost double of the next best batsman, and Prasad has assured Mayank that his performances have made him a strong contender.