With five 40+ scores in his last 12 T20 innings, Mayank Agarwal has weaved a form to die for in the Maharaja Trophy which was played and concluded in Karnataka.

The 31-year-old India international, who also led the Bengaluru Blasters, kick started his journey in this year’s KSCA Trophy with a masterclass in Bengaluru’s opener. His 52 off 25 against Gulbarga Mystics helped his team win by a comfortable margin, of 54 runs, which was an intimation of Bengaluru’s future in the tournament.

Mayank added more feather in his cap with two 40+ scores and a hundred in the early stages of the T20 tournament. The 102* off 49 vs Shivamogga Strikers, in the league stage, included 10 fours and 6 sixes- a perfect display of Mayank’s class in the shortest format. But that wouldn’t be his only hundred in the Maharaja Trophy.

In the qualifier round of the tournament, Mayank stepped up once again and weaved a captain’s knock against the Gulbarga Mystics. His 112 off 61 included 9 fours and 6 sixes and helped Bengaluru seal a 44-run win and hence cementing a spot in the final.

“In the last four months, I’ve really worked hard on my batting. As you can see, I’ve started sweeping and reverse-sweeping the ball, that too against the fast bowlers. I’ve opened up four-five areas in my game which are paying rich dividends. I am very happy that the hard work I put in is paying off now,” said Mayank Agarwal, post his 2nd century in the league.

"Getting two hundreds in a T20 tournament like the Maharaja Trophy feels amazing. It feels really nice when the players respond to you the way you want. Obviously runs behind my back really makes me feel good and then I can lead from the front,” he added.

In all 12 matches, he aggregated 496 runs, averaging 49.6, at a strike rate of 167. Even though Bengaluru lost the final, Mayank’s form has come as a huge positive indication for what’s in store.