To see my name alongside my idols at Wankhede is a fantastic feeling, says Mayank Agarwal

The Bengaluru cricketer, whose knocks in the recent New Zealand home series pivoted India to victory, gets candid about the game, the pressures, life during lockdown and more

- Sunayana Suresh

For cricketer Mayank Agarwal, the last few weeks have been special. He has announced his return to the test squad with special knocks in the New Zealand home test series that even earned him a permanent space on the honours board at Wankhede Stadium. Following this, he has cemented a place in the test team for the upcoming series in South Africa. Excerpts from a chat with the cricketer...

Congratulations on being a part of the team to South Africa. What excites you most about the tour?

I think going to South Africa is something we are all looking forward to, to go there and score some runs. It will be a good challenge. I feel good about my batting, especially after scoring runs against New Zealand in the home series. It has given me a lot of confidence.

The recent test win must have been very special…

It was special to beat New Zealand, the number one test side. It is even more special when you contribute to the win. That feeling and the way the team is playing test cricket right now — it feels fabulous to be a part of it.

You have marked your return, quite literally, with a permanent inscription at Wankhede Stadium...

To see your name on the honours board is a fantastic feeling. When I see my name there with all the greats of Indian cricket, people who have carried Indian cricket over the years, it is a special, special feeling. There are people who I have looked up to. So, this feeling is indescribable.