After hitting a 51-ball 102 against the hosts in the first ODI at Dharamsala on Saturday, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz thanked India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his technical contributions.
No other Afghanistan batsman could offer any resistance against the Indian bowlers as they were bowled out for 194, while Gurbaz lit up the HPCA Stadium here with his explosive stroke play around the wickets to hammer eight sixes and as many fours for a tenth ODI century.
Gurbaz disclosed that he had a productive conversation with Gambhir, with whom he had shared the dressing room during his KKR days. The pep talk took place following Afghanistan’s innings and 300-run loss in the Mullanpur one-off match.
“After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that discussion really helped me,” PTI quoted Gurbaz telling the broadcaster.
“I worked on those ideas in the nets, and I’m very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match ended, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection,” he said.
“He shared some positive ideas and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively and it worked for me,” the right-handed batter added.
Afghanistan was dismissed for 194 in 24.5 overs despite Gurbaz’s 102, with debutant Indian bowlers Gurnoor Brar (3/27) and Harsh Dubey (3/47) taking six wickets each.
According to Gurbaz, he is constantly driven to succeed for his nation.
“The approach was very simple and easy, just to play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game, but I know my game as well. I just backed myself and played for the team,” he said.
“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 this innings is the result of that hard work.
“Scoring a hundred against India in India is special, but as I mentioned, it’s the reward for the effort I’ve put in.”
The pitch was the easiest to bat on against fast bowlers, according to Gurbaz.
“The wicket isn’t easy, especially against spin. There was some turn and assistance for the spinners,” he said.
“But my focus was on backing myself and staying positive. There is definitely something in the pitch for the spinners, and if they bowl well, they can make an impact,” Gurbaz added.
