Rahmanullah Gurbaz Credits Gautam Gambhir For Technical Boost After Blazing Hundred Vs India

Star Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has said that after the one-off Test against India, he had a ‘very good’ conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and that discussion helped him, adding that he told the latter how he wanted to improve his shot selection.

Gurbaz lit up the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala with a blistering innings, striking eight sixes and as many fours to register his ninth ODI century. But none of the other Afghanistan batters offered much resistance as they were bowled out for 194 by the Indian bowlers.

Gurbaz revealed that a conversation with Gambhir, his former KKR mentor, proved beneficial. The exchange took place after Afghanistan’s innings-and-300-run loss to India in the one-off Test in Mullanpur.

“After the Test, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that discussion really helped me. I worked on those ideas in the nets and I am very grateful for the guidance,” Gurbaz said while speaking to the host broadcasters.

“When the Test ended, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection. He shared some positive ideas and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively and it worked for me,” Gurbaz added.

Despite Gurbaz’s 102, Afghanistan were dismissed for 194 in under 25 overs, with debutant Indian bowlers Gurnoor Brar (3/27) and Harsh Dubey (3/47) picking up three wickets each.

Gurbaz said that he is always motivated to do well 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,” Gurbaz said.

“It was nice to contribute. It is 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,” Gurbaz added.