Rehmanullah Gurbaz and Gautam Gambhir (Agency photo)
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has praised India coach Gautam Gambhir for helping him improve his batting after he made a stunning century against the hosts in the opening ODI at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday.Gurbaz was the standout performer in Afghanistan’s innings, blasting 102 off just 51 deliveries. His explosive knock featured eight fours and eight sixes and marked his ninth ODI century. However, despite his heroics, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs as no other batsman was able to make a significant contribution.
Speaking after the innings, Gurbaz revealed that the conversation with Gambhir after Afghanistan’s heavy 300-run defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur played a major role in his preparations.“After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Mr Gautam Gambhir (and) this discussion really helped me,” Gurbaz told the broadcaster.The Afghanistan opener explained that he had approached the India coach specifically to seek advice on improving his batting decisions.“I have worked on these ideas in the nets and I am very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match was over, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selections,” he said.
According to Gurbaz, Gambhir’s suggestions were straightforward yet effective, and he was able to put them into practice during the match-winning innings.The right-handed player added, “He shared some positive ideas with me and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively and it worked for me.”While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships around him. India’s new arrivals, Gurnor Brar and Harsh Dubey, made an immediate impact, sharing six wickets between them.
Berar returned figures of 3/27, while Dubey claimed 3/47 to help bowl out Afghanistan inside 25 overs.Commenting on his approach, Gurbaz said the shortened format encouraged positive intentions, but insisted he remained focused on playing his natural game.“The approach was very simple and easy, just to play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-year game, but I know my game as well. I backed myself and played for the team,” he said.The 24-year-old added that representing Afghanistan remains his biggest source of motivation and described the century as a reward for the efforts he has invested behind the scenes.“It was nice to contribute. It’s always nice to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I trust my training and preparation. I work hard, and these roles are the result of that hard work.”“Scoring a hundred against India in India is special, but as I mentioned, it is reward for the effort you put in.”