Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin hailed the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for picking Gurnoor Brar ahead of Auqib Nabi Dar in three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The selectors had received a lot of flak after Brar was picked as Dar had an impressive run in the domestic season. The pacer from Jammu and Kashmir was the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy and took his team to their maiden title.
Meanwhile, 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. Thus, the debutant played a key role in skittling out Afghanistan at 194 and impressed with his pace and bounce.
“Gurnoor Brar, we have to say that he is really impressive. He is tall, and it seems like he is quite strong too. He bowled every ball over 145 kmph. There is a massive upside. The skill, action, and swing he gets with the new ball, there is a lot of upside with him. He can bowl even faster, he is young,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“When the selectors chose Gurnoor Brar, and not Auqib Nabi, many people talked about it. I think it was a very good spot. This is not a comparison between them, but the selectors and the coaches who saw Gurnoor, they have to be praised, that is a really good eye. If he stays fit, and does all the right things, he can become a really big bowler for India in the future, he added.
Ashwin also praised Harsh Dubey for making an impressive debut against the visitors on Saturday.
“I know Harsh Dubey very well, there was no doubt in my mind that he would be a good player. He always fights, never backs down from a contest. He proved to be a little expensive, but the way he made a comeback, that is Harsh Dubey for you. He can also bat very well,” R Ashwin said.
After an expensive first over, Dubey bounced back well and returned with impressive figures of 3-47 in his five overs he bowled.
