Ranji Trophy: Karnataka captain Karun Nair speaks on 'big player' Mayank Agarwal’s absence

Mumbai: India Test opener Mayank Agarwal will not feature in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy game against Mumbai starting tomorrow (January 3) and the side’s captain Karun Nair has spoken how it will provide an opportunity for others.

After being named in the squad, Mayank was asked to be rested by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The right-hander will leave for New Zealand on January 10 to participate in India A tour.

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Speaking ahead of the Ranji Trophy match, Karnataka skipper Karun praised Mayank and said his absence will be a chance for someone else to perform.

“Mayank is big player, but it (his absence) opens an opportunity for someone else to come and grab their chance,” Karun said on Thursday (January 2).

Karun, who has scored a Test triple ton, praised Mayank. “I think, Mayank has always been a hard working cricketer, so I think it was high time that the hard work paid off,” the right-hander said.

“It is just to do with his hard work that he (Agarwal) is doing well now and I don't think he has changed much at all. It is just that with the runs that he got, his confidence also improved and then as a batsman confidence plays such a big role, it is all down to his hard work (rather) consistent hard work that he is reaping the rewards,” he added.

The 28-year-old Mayank, who made his Test debut in 2018 in Melbourne, has so far played nine Tests and has scored 872 runs with three tons and three half centuries. He had a great 2019 where he struck his maiden Test double century, against Bangladesh in Indore in November.

Karnataka will also be without their two more star batsmen in KL Rahul and Manish Pandey. Both the players are part of the India T20I team for the Sri Lanka series starting in Guwahati on January 5.

• Cricket
• Sports
• Ranji Trophy
• Karnataka
• Mayank Agarwal
• Karun Nair