Brar was one of the standout performers with the ball as India bowled Afghanistan out for 232 in 44.3 overs after posting a mammoth 402, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The left-arm seamer returned figures of 3\/60 and played a key role in dismantling the visitors\u2019 batting line-up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis run-up is so good, his rhythm is so good, he was hitting the deck and getting the ball to climb. The wicket he got of Gurbaz was particularly impressive because of the way that bouncer followed him. It\u2019s very accurate. It comes right at you, exactly where the batter does not want it,\u201d Gavaskar told Jio Hotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The batting great also credited chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel for looking beyond numbers and recognising Brar\u2019s potential.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think the selection committee deserves all the compliments. If you look at his stats, or his India A performances, they\u2019re okay, but not to the extent where you would say he deserved an India cap. However, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, saw something in him, and that\u2019s why they picked him. He\u2019s also been backed by the management, which is so important,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gavaskar also reflected on captain Shubman Gill\u2019s magnificent run of form and explained how a player\u2019s personal performances can influence decision-making as a leader.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill led from the front with a superb 154 off 110 balls, sharing a match-defining 224-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who smashed 125 off 79 deliveries, as India piled up 402 all out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re not getting runs, you\u2019re not confident about making those marginal moves that come from your gut feel, like holding back a bowler who has bowled well, giving him an extra over, or moving a fielder from a certain position. That gut feel is a lot stronger when you\u2019re personally performing,\u201d Gavaskar explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut if you\u2019re not performing, even when you get a gut feel, you\u2019re apprehensive about making that call because you\u2019re worried about getting it wrong. Since you\u2019re also not performing as a player, you\u2019ll be criticised for your captaincy as well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to the third and final ODI in Chennai, Gavaskar believes India\u2019s spin department remains the area where the team management will seek greater clarity despite the convincing series win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut if you\u2019re not performing, even when you get a gut feel, you\u2019re apprehensive about making that call because you\u2019re worried about getting it wrong. Since you\u2019re also not performing as a player, you\u2019ll be criticised for your captaincy as well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat is where India will be looking for some answers over the next few ODIs, not just in the final game of the series in Chennai,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n