Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has given credit to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for backing Gurnoor Brar in the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan. 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.
“His run-up is so good, his rhythm is so good, he was hitting the deck and getting the ball to climb. The wicket he got of Gurbaz was particularly impressive because of the way that bouncer followed him. It’s very accurate. It comes right at you, exactly where the batter does not want it. I think the selection committee deserves all the compliments. If you look at his stats, or his India A performances, they’re okay, but not to the extent where you would say he deserved an India cap. However, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, saw something in him, and that’s why they picked him. He’s also been backed by the management, which is so important,” Sunil Gavaskar said on JioStar.
On the other hand, former Indian opener, Gavaskar, reckons Shubman Gill’s impressive form with the bat is helping him lead India with aplomb. Gill scored another fantastic knock of 154 runs off just 110 balls against the tourists at Lucknow on Wednesday.
“When you’re not getting runs, you’re not confident about making those marginal moves that come from your gut feel, like holding back a bowler who has bowled well, giving him an extra over, or moving a fielder from a certain position. That gut feel is a lot stronger when you’re personally performing. But if you’re not performing, even when you get a gut feel, you’re apprehensive about making that call because you’re worried about getting it wrong. Since you’re also not performing as a player, you’ll be criticised for your captaincy as well,” Sunil Gavaskar added on JioStar.
The third and final ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday.
