HYDERABAD: Tanmay Agarwal has been one of Hyderabad’s most consistent batsmen in the last couple of years. He has come into his own this season as he surged to the top of the batting charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The southpaw scored 334 runs in seven games at an average of 55.66 with an unbeaten 97 as his highest. His strike rate of 148 plus is also the best among the top few players.
Tanmay has been doing well in the T20 format. He scored 250 runs at a strike rate of 162.33 in the 2016-17 season and in 2017-18, he garnered 151 runs from 5 games but again with an impressive strike rate of more than 145. The 26-year-old is also one of those few players who scored centuries on both his First Class and List A debuts for Hyderabad.
Excerpts:
Team effort:
I am proud of each member of the team. It was a great effort as we had not done well last year but we came back with a bang and won six games on the trot this season. Unfortunately, we had a bad game in the semis against Tamil Nadu but I am really proud of the effort of the team. We have really grown as a team and I look forward to a successful season in the other formats of the game too.
Difference in approach:
After last season, I analysed my batting and worked on it. More than the skill part, I worked on the mental aspects. So that has helped me a lot and got my game to a higher level. It has also helped me to be calmer on the field and be selective with my shots. I have learnt that the more you are adaptive to the conditions and the quicker you do it, the better you can execute your plans. So that’s what I tried. God has been kind and it has gone my way this year.
Putting the team first:
The basic thing was that we were focussing on the process and what was in our hands. Rather than thinking of the score, the players were focussing on what they should do for the team. Putting the team ahead in every situation was what helped the team. Not thinking of victory but of doing the small things right was what made the difference.
Belief and confidence:
To be very honest, we have had the same batting line-up for the last three years or so. The belief factor kicked in big time for us this season. We have batting till No.10 and even the No.11 player can go and hit a couple of sixes if needed. What made the difference was the belief that the players developed - that they could go out and win games from any point in the match. That was what we were working at – developing a winning mindset. T20 is a format where anything can happen from anywhere. A single player can do a miracle for the team. It’s all about belief and confidence. Each one was willing to take up the responsibility on a given day to deliver the goods.
Azharuddin’s role:
Azhar sir has played a major role in the team’s success. He has been helping and guiding us. I have taken a few batting tips from him and he is always just a call away. From him, I have learnt how to handle batting and captaincy. He shared a few things and those tips have been very helpful for me. Speaking to him is enlightening as he has a lot of knowledge about the game.
Learning curve:
All these years, I have experienced a lot of ups and downs. It was a learning curve for me. It is only learning if you don’t commit the same mistakes again. If you make the same mistakes then it’s not learning at all. I have accepted the fact that I was lacking a few things and worked on those areas. I have also worked with T Dilip and he has helped me a lot.
Focus on the here and now:
What I focus on is what I can do and what is within my hands. I don’t try to think about what is not in my hands. The future - like playing in the IPL and for the country - is not in my hands and I don’t think about it. My aim is to carry forward the momentum into the Vijay Hazare Trophy and help the team do well there too. We want to assess the wickets and conditions in Mohali and prepare accordingly for it. We are having a break right now for a few days and then will start our training once our coach Milap (Mewada) sir comes back.
Hyderabad players in IPL:
There is a lot of talent in Hyderabad. The players have started doing well and the belief levels too have increased. We will soon have players in the IPL too as things are falling into place.
Marriage to Nitisha in July:
She is a lucky charm for me as things are looking up this year. She is not from a cricket background but is now following the game and is gaining knowledge about it.
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