(Image source from: BCCI)
Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has commended the Indian selection committee and the team management for recognizing and supporting young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar. His strong performance was crucial in helping India achieve a dominant 170-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI held in Lucknow. Brar stood out with the ball, as India bowled out Afghanistan for 232 in 44.3 overs after scoring a huge total of 402, giving them an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The left-arm bowler's statistics showed 3 wickets for 60 runs and he played a vital part in breaking down the opponent's batting order. “His approach to running in is excellent, his pace is impressive, he was hitting the pitch well and making the ball rise. The wicket he took from Gurbaz was especially noteworthy due to how well his bouncer worked. It's precise. It comes straight at the batter, right where they don't want it,” Gavaskar shared with Jio Hotstar. The legendary player also acknowledged chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection team for looking past just the numbers and seeing Brar's talents.
“I believe the selection committee deserves praise. If you review his statistics or his performances with India A, they are decent but not quite at the level to suggest he should get an India cap. Nevertheless, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, saw potential in him, which is why they chose him. Management's support has also been crucial,” he stated. Gavaskar also noted captain Shubman Gill's incredible form, explaining how a player's individual success can impact a captain’s choices. Gill showcased his talent with a brilliant score of 154 off 110 balls, collaborating with Ishan Kishan in a match-altering 224-run partnership, where Kishan scored 125 off just 79 balls, helping India reach 402 all out.
“When a player isn't scoring runs, they often lack the confidence to make those close calls that come from instinct, like keeping a bowler who is doing well in longer, or shifting a fielder from a specific spot. That instinct is much stronger when you are doing well,” Gavaskar clarified. “However, if you're struggling yourself, even if you have a gut feeling, you might hesitate to act on it because you fear making mistakes. Since you aren't performing as a player, you'll also face scrutiny for your decisions as a captain,” he added.
Looking forward to the last ODI in Chennai, Gavaskar feels that the spin bowlers are still the part where the team management wants more clarity, even after a strong series victory. “I believe that Rohit and Jaiswal will open the batting together again in the final match. The spin bowlers are an area where India will want to resolve some issues. Kuldeep has performed well even though he hasn’t taken many wickets, and Harsh Dubey had a good performance with three wickets in the first match, but he was a bit too costly,” Gavaskar stated. “This is where India will be seeking solutions in the upcoming ODIs, not just in the final match of the series in Chennai,” he finished.
