There is no substitute for hard work and who would know it better than Karnataka opener Mayank Agarwal, this Ranji season's top run-scorer. Agarwal, 26, who was very inconsistent with the bat last year, had to make a lot of changes in his batting technique, but a positive approach towards the game and sheer determination saw him pass the tough phase with ease.

Mayank Agarwal (left) with his personal batting coach RX Muralidhar