Lucknow: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the Indian selection committee and team management for identifying and backing young pacer Gurnoor Brar, whose impressive performance played a key role in India’s emphatic victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI.

India registered a commanding 170-run win in Lucknow, bowling Afghanistan out for 232 in 44.3 overs after posting a massive total of 402. The result gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Brar shines with the ball

The 26-year-old left-arm seamer was among the standout performers, returning figures of 3/60 and troubling the Afghan batters with his pace and accuracy. His dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz drew particular praise for its execution.

“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 and comes right at you, exactly where the batter does not want it,” Gavaskar said.

Credit to selectors for spotting potential

Gavaskar credited chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel for looking beyond conventional statistics and recognising Brar’s potential.

“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 saw something in him, and that’s why they picked him,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of backing players once they are selected, highlighting the role of team management in nurturing talent.

Gill leads from the front

India’s dominant total was built on a sensational knock from captain Shubman Gill, who scored 154 off 110 balls. He shared a crucial 224-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who smashed 125 off just 79 deliveries.

Gavaskar explained how a captain’s personal form can significantly influence on-field decision-making.

“When you’re not getting runs, you’re not confident about making those marginal moves that come from your gut feel. That instinct is much stronger when you’re performing well. If you’re not performing, you’re more apprehensive about making those calls,” he noted.

Focus shifts to spin department

Despite the comprehensive series win, Gavaskar pointed out that India would look to address certain areas, particularly their spin attack, ahead of the third ODI in Chennai.

He observed that while Kuldeep Yadav has bowled well, he hasn’t picked up enough wickets, and Harsh Dubey, though effective, has been slightly expensive.

“That is where India will be looking for answers over the next few ODIs, not just in the final game of the series,” Gavaskar said.

Conclusion

Gurnoor Brar’s impactful performance has validated the selectors’ faith and highlighted India’s strong bench strength. With the series already secured, the final ODI offers an opportunity for the team to fine-tune combinations and address remaining concerns as they continue to build for the future.


(This story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)