‘This discussion really helped me’: Afghanistan’s Gurbaz credits Gautam Gambhir after record ton

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gautam Gambhir (Agency Image) Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir for helping him refine his batting approach after he produced 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 contained 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 managed to contribute significantly.After the innings, Gurbaz revealed that talking to Gambhir after Afghanistan’s heavy 300-run defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur played a key role in his preparation.“I had a very good discussion with Gautam Gambhir after the Test match, sir (and) that discussion really helped me,” Gurbaz told the TV station.The Afghanistan opener explained that he specifically approached the Indian coach to seek advice on how to improve his batting decisions.“I’ve been working on these ideas in the nets and I’m very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match was over, I told him I wanted to improve my shot selection,” he said.According to Gurbaz, the suggestions from Gambhir were straightforward but effective and he was able to put them into practice during his match-winning innings.“He shared some positive thoughts and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively and it worked for me,” the right-handed batsman added.While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to build a partnership around him. Indian debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey made an immediate impact by sharing six wickets between them. Brar returned figures of 3/27 while Dubey claimed 3/47 to help dismiss Afghanistan in 25 overs.Regarding his approach, Gurbaz said the abbreviated format encouraged positive intent but insisted he remained focused on playing his natural game.“The approach was very simple and easy, just play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game but I also know my game. I just 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 put in behind the scenes.“It was nice to contribute. It’s always nice to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I believe in 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 earlier, it’s a reward for the effort I put into it.