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Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India opener Mayank Agarwal has ticked all the boxes with his impressive outing against New Zealand in the recently concluded test series. Mayank, who is eyeing to cement his place in the test side as an opener will have stiff competitions from his Karnataka teammate.

Mayank, who lost his place to KL Rahul, found his way back into form with a stunning 150 against New Zealand. He will be aiming to knock on the door and take an opportunity whenever presented. With the South Africa tour next, Mayank is putting in the hard yards to keep himself fit and ready.

Mayank had been going through a rough patch in Test cricket, before he turned it all around with a sensational 150 against New Zealand at the Wankhede earlier this month. Agarwal credited new head coach Rahul Dravid for the change, suggesting that it was the Indian batting legend who infused confidence in him. He has been training with coach RX Murali, in a bid to prepare well before travelling to the Rainbow nation.

It is unlikely Mayank will make the XI against South Africa for the 1st Test, with KL Rahul returning from an injury that kept him out of the New Zealand Test. Agarwal’s long-time Karnataka teammate, Rahul filled in for Mayank in England and formed a vital partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top, which is likely to continue against the Proteas.