IND vs SA: Boxing Day Test very special for Mayank & KL Rahul – Boxing Day may not have any significance in India but it holds a special place for cricketers. As Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul and you will know why. The two best friends have shared a special bond since U-13 days but on a Boxing Day in 2018, one lost his place in India’s Playing XI to the other. Now, on another Boxing Day, the two will be opening for India against South Africa. Follow India vs South Africa Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
From U-13 days, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have shared a great relationship on and off the pitch. They have been bunkmates, roommates and teammates. But for the national team, it was KL Rahul who jumped ahead while Mayank was still struggling. But ironically it was Mayank who pushed his best friend out of the Test team. And it was Boxing Day, 2018.
IND vs SA: KL Rahul says Boxing Day Test ‘Very, very special for Mayank Agarwal and I’ – Check why?
“I have bittersweet memories of Boxing Day, to be honest. I debuted on a Boxing Day game in Australia and lost my position on a Boxing Day game, to you. I was very happy for you. I knew it was coming for me as I didn’t put in the performances. I felt like that’s the end for me. But now, I am a different person than who I was then. I am more balanced now. Hopefully, when we walk out to open, we will give India a good start in Centurion,” KL Rahul told Mayank Agarwal in a conversation for BCCI TV.
From playing domestic cricket to donning the whites for #TeamIndia together, the batting duo has come a long way. 👏 ☺️@28anand tracks the journey of @klrahul11 & @mayankcricket as they gear up for the SA challenge. 👍👍 #SAvIND
Full interview🎥 🔽https://t.co/0BcVvjOG8X pic.twitter.com/gcfDxbCFDe
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2021
During these three years, KL Rahul has moved ahead of Mayank. He has become the vice-captain of the Test team for the South Africa series and is all set to be named ODI vice-captain. Mayank however has struggled during this period and has lost his place in the team. But in Rohit Sharma’s absence during the NZ Test series, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, slamming a century.
IND vs SA: KL Rahul says Boxing Day Test ‘Very, very special for Mayank Agarwal and I’ – Check why?
Three years later, he will walk out to open with his best friend on a Boxing Day.
“On Boxing Day, I remember we had a very short conversation we had when we were playing for Karnataka. We said, ‘it would be the nicest thing to open for India together one day on Boxing Day’. It happened in Australia. It didn’t last long and hopefully, it does this time,” Mayank Agarwal said.
IND vs SA: KL Rahul says Boxing Day Test ‘Very, very special for Mayank Agarwal and I’ – Check why?
- Rahul & Mayank registered 5 century partnerships for Punjab Kings.
- For India, the two haven’t fired together. Their Test record while opening for India was 30 in Sydney.
- For the state team though, they have had success with over 10 century stands in First-Class games.
- On December 26 in Centurion, they will be looking to emulate that feat and set the stage for India.
IND vs SA: KL Rahul says Boxing Day Test ‘Very, very special for Mayank Agarwal and I’ – Check why?
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