India’s convincing victory over Afghanistan in the opening ODI in Dharamshala featured two players at opposite ends of their international journeys. While debutant Gurnor Brar announced himself on the big stage with a brilliant spell of fast bowling, the skipper Shabman Gul Proved once again why he is one of the greatest ODI batsmen in the world.India comfortably won the rain-hit match by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but for Brar, the match marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.The Punjab fast bowler, who earned his maiden India cap after a strong home performance, admitted that excitement rather than pressure dominated his thoughts before stepping onto the field.“Obviously, I wouldn’t say there was pressure but excitement… Like, I have to do well for India, I have to bowl well. Obviously, everyone here wants to give their best and I was doing the same. I just had to give my best and by the grace of God it went well,” Brar said in a video chat with Gill. BCCI.Brar immediately justified the selectors’ confidence. Working with real pace, he consistently crossed 145 kmph and touched 148.2 kmph during a memorable spell that produced figures of 3/27.The 26-year-old, who took more than 50 wickets in 18 first-class matches and impressed in last season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, said it was an immediate relief to get his first international wicket.“It’s a special feeling, like all the hard work has finally paid off, all the grinding like I did this summer… yeah it’s a special moment.“(The first wicket) Yes, it’s like a milestone that you just have to cross. When that first wicket suddenly fell, there was a sense of relief like ‘no more tension’.”Gill then reminded Brar about his first wicket, which came when Ibrahim Zadran mistimed a catch high in the air. The Indian captain sarcastically asked if the debutant was worried that the opportunity might be lost.Brar’s answer brought a smile.“Since you were under it, I knew it wouldn’t be dropped.”Despite Brar’s brilliant performance, Afghanistan’s sensational innings kept the contest alive. Rahmanullah GarbazWho scored 102 runs in just 51 balls and took the visitors to 194.However, India’s chase was controlled by Gayle. The skipper remained unbeaten on 84 and carefully managed the chase on a surface that was not exactly straight for batting.Explaining his approach, Gayle said that he entered with the clear aim of staying till the end and finishing the match himself.“So, my main thing when I went in to bat was that I wanted to be there till the end. I wanted to finish the game for the team. And, you know, it didn’t start the way I expected. So, I knew I had to grind a little bit. The wicket was good, but it was a little sticky,” Gill said.“The ball was turning a little bit and cornering a little bit. So I thought if I could get through that period, the game would get easier and easier.“Then once the runs started coming, I would find my rhythm. Obviously, when you plan something, you feel great and everything goes according to plan.”Gill’s calculated innings ensured there were no hiccups late on as India completed the chase in 22.5 overs. While the skipper led the hosts home with another solid ODI innings, Brar left Dharamsala with memories that will last a lifetime after a dream debut in Indian colours.
