Retired Ranji Veteran Ashok Bambi
Lucknow: India once again demonstrated why they remain one of the dominant forces in world cricket, comfortably brushing aside Afghanistan in the opening ODI. While Afghanistan cricket has grown tremendously over the years—with significant support from the BCCI and the Government of India—the gap between the two sides was evident when it mattered most.
Afghanistan have made impressive strides in white-ball cricket, particularly in T20s and One-Day Internationals, and have shown the ability to challenge established teams. In the rain-curtailed 25-over contest, they started brightly but eventually surrendered meekly to their more accomplished opponents.
Having failed to trouble India in the preceding Test match, Afghanistan received a similar treatment from Shubman Gill and his men in the ODI. Although they lost three wickets early, wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced a breathtaking counterattack. In a knock that resembled a T20 masterclass, Gurbaz tore into the Indian bowling attack, especially the spinners, smashing boundaries all around the ground.
The Afghan opener raced to a sensational century off just 51 balls, peppering his innings with eight fours and eight towering sixes. Unfortunately for Afghanistan, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide meaningful support. While Gurbaz dominated proceedings, his teammates managed only 92 runs from 99 deliveries, leaving their side well short of a truly competitive total.
Among India’s bowlers, debutant Brar impressed with his pace, control and composure, claiming three wickets for just 27 runs in his five-over spell. Fellow debutant Harsh Dubey appeared slightly nervous but still managed three wickets, although he conceded 47 runs in his allotted overs. The young duo showed enough promise to suggest a bright future in Indian colours.
India’s chase began positively before Rohit Sharma departed after a brief stay at the crease. However, once again, the spotlight belonged to Shubman Gill. The Indian captain continued his remarkable run of form, remaining unbeaten on 84 from just 66 balls as he dismantled the Afghan bowling attack with authority.
Gill’s batting is currently at its absolute peak. After piling up runs in the IPL and carrying that confidence into Test cricket, he now appears equally dominant in the ODI format. What makes his batting particularly impressive is the blend of classical technique and modern aggression. His elegant strokeplay on both sides of the wicket, combined with an ability to score rapidly, makes him one of the most complete batters in world cricket today.
Given his extraordinary form across formats, there is a strong case for Gill to become a permanent fixture in India’s T20 setup as well.
The return of Shreyas Iyer, however, was less convincing. Looking slightly rusty, he failed to make a significant impact in his brief innings. India will hope he finds his rhythm quickly in the remaining matches of the series.
Ishan Kishan looked sharp and energetic during his short stay at the crease, while K.L. Rahul continued the rich vein of form he displayed during the Ahmedabad Test. Rahul’s blistering 39 off just 19 deliveries effectively ended Afghanistan’s hopes. His assault on Rahman, from whom he plundered 20 runs in a single over, shifted the momentum decisively in India’s favour.
For Afghanistan, there were flashes of brilliance, particularly from Gurbaz. But for India, it was another clinical performance—a reminder that while many teams are improving, the Men in Blue continue to set the benchmark. On current evidence, India remain the “super boss” of this contest.
