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Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir after fresh criticism came up over the team selection during the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at home.
India recently sealed the ODI series with strong performances against Afghanistan, with the final ODI set for June 20 in Chennai, but the young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar’s selection over Auqib Nabi has been slowly becoming the matter of national debate. Yet, Gurnoor Brar snubbed Gautam Gambhir credit for his stunning performances against Afghanistan.
Gurnoor Brar justifies selection with strong performances
Many fans questioned the decision, but Gurnoor Brar performed really well, taking six wickets in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan. The young pacer’s performances have played an important role in India taking a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series at home.
After India clinched the ODI series, Ravichandran Ashwin defended the selectors and said they should not be judged only when questions arise but also appreciated when their decisions work.
The former Indian off-spinner also pointed out that Gurnoor Brar must have shown something special in domestic cricket or training sessions that convinced the selectors and team management.
He further highlighted that India under Agarkar and Gambhir has already achieved big success in white-ball cricket, including major ICC titles, which shows their process is working really well. But Aakash Chopra blasted Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir over Mohammed Siraj treatment.
Ravichandran Ashwin defends Ajit Agarkar-Gautam Gambhir and backs selection process
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “Agarkar has played a lot of cricket for India and produced several performances. So, he knows enough about cricket. The way people are criticizing, you would think Agarkar and Gambhir know nothing about cricket. If anyone feels Nabi is marginalized, they can call it out. But to say Gurnoor Brar or his selection is a waste is wrong.”
The former Indian all-rounder further noted, “Something about him would have caught the selectors' eyes, which is why they are paid the big bucks. The same goes for the coach. They live by the sword and die by it. Just like they are criticized when things go wrong, it is important to praise them now when things go right and Brar delivers the goods.”
Ravichandran Ashwin sends strong message after Prince Yadav’s mixed Lucknow outing
Ashwin also backed Prince Yadav, who conceded 56 runs in 7.3 overs but made an impressive comeback by taking two wickets in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow on June 17.
The cricket pundit said that every young bowler goes through ups and downs, but the most important thing is how they respond after tough situations. He feels such experiences will help Prince grow into a stronger and more complete bowler in the future.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “Going from good to great is a journey, and one you'll learn and achieve only towards the end of your career. This is only the start for Prince Yadav, and you are not expected to start remarkably well. So, there is nothing to take home from his expensive spell. Yes, a good spell would have been a confidence booster. But now he'll still learn and grow.”
