Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin defended the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel and the team management for their selection amid the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Gurnoor Brar’s selection was questioned by a lot of critics and fans but the Punjab bowler has let his bowling do the talking.
On his ODI debut against Afghanistan, Brar impressed one and all with his performance. He returned with impressive figures of 3-27 in 4.5 overs he bowled. The lanky pacer accounted for Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Brar bowled consistently around 145 kmph and impressed in his maiden appearance in the Indian colors.
Furthermore, Brar returned with impressive figures of 3-60 in 10 overs he bowled in the second ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday. The lanky pacer dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “Agarkar has played a lot of cricket for India and produced several performances. So he knows enough about cricket. The way people are criticizing, you would think Agarkar and Gambhir know nothing about cricket. If anyone feels Nabi is marginalized, they can call it out. But to say Gurnoor Brar or his selection is a waste is wrong.”
“Something about him would have caught the selectors’ eyes, which is why they are paid the big bucks. The same goes for the coach. They live by the sword and die by it. Just like they are criticised when things go wrong, it is important to praise them now when things go right and Brar delivers the goods.”
Meanwhile, Prince Yadav returned with figures of 2-56 in 7.3 overs he bowled on his ODI debut against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Ashwin reckons such experiences will help Yadav in becoming a better bowler.
“Performing in the IPL is only a preparation for an exam. It’s only the starting point. A cricketer will experience many things even after playing the IPL and that’s what happened to Prince Yadav. He is a very good bowler but such experiences will help him become a very good bowler to ultimately a great bowler,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
The third and final ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday.
