Gurkeerat Singh Mann, after delivering some impressive performances while playing for Punjab and India A, has managed to grab a place in the ODI team for the upcoming series against South Africa, which is expected to be a huge test for the all-rounder. With India struggling to find a suitable all-rounder, the Punjab lad would like to cement his place in the team.
The Indian selectors, who have been on the lookout for a quality all-rounder, must have been impressed with his performance against Australia A in the final where he scored crucial 87 runs to help India A clinch the tri-series. Apart from a good batsman, he is also a useful bowler. The all- rounder was impressive against Bangladesh A as well.
Gurkeerat's coach, Sukhwinder Singh Tinku, feels that he may not be a huge spinner of the ball, but his control is top class.
"Actually his bowling action is very good. His point of delivery lends him a great advantage to be accurate. He has immense control even if he doesn't spin it too much," The Indian Express quoted Tinku as saying.
Gurkeerat's strength is his batting. The 25-year-old can play an important role in the lower middle order as he can combine the long handle with his powerful batting skills to good effect.
Gurkeerat can bat as per the demands of the situation, as the right-hander has a solid defence, which comes in handy during tight situations.
"He is good against spinners, solid at defence, powerful in hitting and good off both backfoot as well as front foot. Where other batsmen would defend a certain delivery, he would play a big shot. So you would think that he is playing very fast, but actually he is playing normal. Actually his basics are very strong. So every format looks easy. He's intelligent when it comes to picking his moments with the bat," said Tinku.
The youngster should not let such chances go by easily. If the all-rounder makes his debut against the touring South African side, he needs to make the opportunity count.
India will host South Africa for 3 T20s, 5 ODIs and 4 test matches, with the first match (T20) of the series scheduled to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on 2 October.
