Afghanistan Batting Coach Praises Gurbaz's Skills
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Synopsis
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan's batting coach Andrew Puttick praised wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, highlighting his exceptional talent and athleticism. Puttick believes Gurbaz's recent performances indicate a bright future for both the player and Afghan cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Gurbaz has displayed significant improvement in his ODI performance in 2024.
- He has scored three centuries and two fifties in 11 innings.
- His power-hitting ability puts pressure on bowlers.
- Puttick emphasizes the importance of Gurbaz's shot control.
- Afghanistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign soon.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) As the Champions Trophy approaches, Afghanistan's batting coach Andrew Puttick has praised wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz for his remarkable talent and athleticism.
Since making his international debut, Gurbaz has been recognized as an up-and-coming star, distinguished by his aggressive shot-making and fearless demeanor against any bowler, regardless of their reputation. However, his temperament in ODIs has often come under scrutiny, as his bold style occasionally led to his downfall.
In 2024, Gurbaz has found a rhythm in the 50-over format, demonstrating increased composure. Over 11 innings, he has amassed three centuries and two fifties, boasting an impressive average of 48.27. With Ibrahim Zadran out of action, Gurbaz stepped up, delivering vital innings and securing match-winning hundreds against both South Africa and Bangladesh in series-deciding matches.
"Gurbaz is an exceptionally talented individual and a superb athlete. He is one of the hardest workers I've had the honor of coaching. His preparation is methodical, and he practices extensively, often placing himself under pressure. He maintains a strong focus on his batting and is determined to excel, which suggests he will only continue to improve," Puttick stated, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
"Despite being young, he carries a wealth of experience for his age, which will only aid his development as he learns about his own game and what it takes to be among the world's elite. He has made some minor technical adjustments, but the key for Gurbaz is not just constructing innings but maximizing his talent. He is learning to adapt to match situations better and understands the responsibility he holds as one of our top-order batters, effectively setting the tone for the team. Generally, when he scores, we perform well," he added.
Puttick further emphasized Gurbaz's power-hitting abilities, which can pressure any bowling attack.
"It's common knowledge that he enjoys putting bowlers under strain and utilizes his footwork effectively. He has become more controlled with his footwork, playing closer to his body and being more precise about where and how high he aims to hit the ball. He possesses the talent, and he is now refining it to be calmer and more strategic, aiming for longevity in his innings rather than just flashy shots. He aspires to bat long and score significant hundreds while maintaining control over his shots," he elaborated.
"He is an exceptional ball striker with quick footwork, excelling against both spin and fast bowling. When the ball is in his area, he capitalizes, putting bowlers under pressure and scoring quickly, which alleviates pressure from the rest of the batting lineup. The beauty of his batting style is that he scores rapidly without forcing it.
"We continually remind him that he doesn't need to hit every ball for six; he can score at his own pace while maintaining a natural strike rate of around 100. With three centuries already, he is a remarkable player and is poised for further improvement, which is an exciting prospect for both him and Afghan cricket," the batting coach concluded.
Afghanistan will face New Zealand in a warm-up match in Karachi on Sunday before commencing their Champions Trophy journey against South Africa on February 21.
