ICC CWC\'19: Here\'s why Mayank Agarwal got WC call up ahead of Rayudu, Rahane

Mumbai: Mayank Agarwal has been called up to the India squad at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 as a result of an injury suffered by all-rounder Vijay Shankar. The decision of BCCI has raised a few eyebrows, questioning why the 28-year-old was preferred over Ambati Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane.

However, Agarwal's stats in domestic cricket show that the right-hander deserved a chance to prove himself at the mega-event.

Agarwal’s India A form has been quite remarkable, with the Karnataka man finishing with 287 runs from just four games, averaging 71.75 with a strike rate of 105.90.

Apart from India A, his overall record in List A cricket is also phenomenal. He has amassed 3605 runs from 75 matches at an average of 48.71.

“Mayank has played for India A in England last year and did well in tri-series and was also the highest scorer in that series and India won. He’s known to exploit the power plays and plays spin better,” a source has told Times Now News.

“Rahul Dravid has very good words for him and that worked in his favour, Ajinkya gets stuck in the middle overs and has problems playing spin and Ambati Rayudu has failed in the recent past.”

Agarwal will be looking forward with his Karnataka and Kings XI Punjab teammate KL Rahul. While playing for Kings XI Punjab ahead of the World Cup, Agarwal scored 332 runs in 13 games at an average of 25.53 and an impressive strike rate of 141.88.

His performance against Australia in two tests was also lauded where he scored 195 runs at an average of 65.00.

Agarwal is likely to be preferred as an opener with Rohit Sharma which will allow India to push Rahul back to number four position.