Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gautam Gambhir (Agency Image)

afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz Credit given to India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir To help him refine his batting approach after scoring a brilliant century against the hosts in the opening ODI at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday.Gurbaz performed brilliantly in Afghanistan’s innings and scored 102 runs in just 51 balls. His explosive innings included eight fours and eight sixes and was his ninth ODI century. However, despite his heroics, Afghanistan were all out for 194 runs in 24.5 overs as no other batsman managed to make a significant contribution.Speaking after the innings, Gurbaz revealed that conversations with Gambhir had played a crucial role in his preparation after Afghanistan’s massive 300-run defeat in the one-off Test in Mullanpur.“After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that discussion really helped me,” Gurbaz told the broadcaster.The Afghanistan opener revealed that he had specifically contacted the Indian coach to seek advice on improving his batting decisions.“I worked on those ideas in the nets and I am very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match was over, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection,” he said.According to Gurbaz, Gambhir’s suggestions 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 implement them today. I just tried to play positive and it worked for me,” the right-handed batsman said.While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships around him. India’s debutant, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh DubeyMade an immediate impact, sharing six wickets between them. Brar returned figures of 3/27, while Dubey claimed 3/47 to help bowl out Afghanistan in under 25 overs.Reflecting on his approach, Gurbaz said the shorter format encouraged positive intent, but he 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 said representing Afghanistan is his biggest source of inspiration and described the century as a reward for his efforts behind the scenes.“It was good to contribute. It always feels good to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I am confident in my training and preparation. I work hard and this innings is the result of that hard work.”“Scoring a century against India in India is special, but like I said, it’s a reward for the effort I’ve put in.”