'That discussion really helped me': Afghanistan's Gurbaz credits Gambhir after ton

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz credited India caput manager Gautam Gambhir for helping him refine his batting attack aft producing a stunning period against the hosts successful the opening ODI astatine the HPCA Stadium successful Dharamsala connected Saturday.Gurbaz was the standout performer successful Afghanistan's innings, blasting 102 disconnected conscionable 51 deliveries. His explosive sound featured 8 fours and 8 sixes and marked his ninth ODI century. However, contempt his heroics, Afghanistan were bowled retired for 194 successful 24.5 overs arsenic nary different batter managed to marque a important contribution.

Speaking aft the innings, Gurbaz revealed that a speech with Gambhir pursuing Afghanistan's dense 300-run decision successful the one-off Test astatine Mullanpur had played a cardinal relation successful his preparation.“After the Test match, I had a precise bully speech with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that treatment truly helped me,” Gurbaz told the broadcaster.The Afghanistan opener explained that helium had specifically approached the India manager to question proposal connected improving his batting decisions.“I worked connected those ideas successful the nets, and I'm precise grateful for the guidance. When the Test lucifer ended, I told him that I wanted to amended my changeable selection,” helium said.

According to Gurbaz, the suggestions from Gambhir were straightforward but effective, and helium was capable to enactment them into signifier during his match-winning innings.“He shared immoderate affirmative ideas and I was capable to use them today. I conscionable tried to play positively and it worked for me,” the right-handed batter added.While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to physique partnerships astir him. India's debutants, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey, made an contiguous impact, sharing six wickets betwixt them.

Brar returned figures of 3/27, portion Dubey claimed 3/47 to assistance vessel Afghanistan retired wrong 25 overs.Reflecting connected his approach, Gurbaz said the shortened format encouraged affirmative intent, but insisted helium remained focused connected playing his earthy game.“The attack was precise elemental and easy, conscionable to play affirmative cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game, but I cognize my crippled arsenic well. I conscionable backed myself and played for the team,” helium said.The 24-year-old added that representing Afghanistan remains his biggest root of information and described the period arsenic a reward for the effort helium has invested down the scenes.“It was bully to contribute. It's ever bully to bash thing for your state and marque everyone proud. I spot my grooming and preparation. I enactment hard, and this innings is the effect of that hard work.“Scoring a 100 against India successful India is special, but arsenic I mentioned, it's the reward for the effort I've enactment in."