Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of chief selector Ajit Agarkar after the criticism surrounding India’s ODI squad choices for the Afghanistan series in Lucknow. The biggest talking point was the maiden call-up for Gurnoor Brar, which came ahead of star domestic pacer Auqib Nabi and triggered plenty of debate among fans and experts. Brar, however, has quickly answered his critics with performances on the field.
The 26-year-old has taken three wickets in both ODIs so far, maintaining an average of under 15 and playing a key role in India taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. His impact has strengthened the selectors’ decision and given India a fresh fast-bowling option in white-ball cricket. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said the backlash against Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had gone too far. He pointed out that Agarkar has played enough cricket at the highest level to understand selection calls and insisted that it is unfair to dismiss Brar’s selection without seeing the thought process behind it.
“Agarkar has played a lot of cricket for India and produced several performances. So he knows enough about cricket. The way people are criticizing, you would think Agarkar and Gambhir know nothing about cricket. If anyone feels Nabi is marginalized, they can call it out. But to say Gurnoor Brar or his selection is a waste is wrong,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
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He further added that selectors and coaches deserve credit when their decisions work out. According to Ashwin, management must be judged fairly, just as it is when things go wrong. In Brar’s case, he feels the selectors clearly spotted something special in the youngster that may not always show up in numbers alone.
“Something about him would have caught the selectors’ eyes, which is why they are paid the big bucks. The same goes for the coach. They live by the sword and die by it. Just like they are criticised when things go wrong, it is important to praise them now when things go right and Brar delivers the goods,” he added.
Ashwin also backed another youngster, Prince Yadav, saying that a tough debut is often part of the learning curve for a young bowler. The 24-year-old, who impressed in IPL 2026, struggled badly in the second ODI against Afghanistan and conceded 56 runs in 7.3 overs.
“Performing in the IPL is only a preparation for an exam. It’s only the starting point. A cricketer will experience many things even after playing the IPL and that’s what happened to Prince Yadav. He is a very good bowler but such experiences will help him become a very good bowler to ultimately a great bowler,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
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He added that progress from good to great takes time, and that Prince’s expensive spell should be seen as part of the journey rather than a setback. That view proved accurate, as Prince later responded well, took two wickets and helped India seal a dominant 170-run win.
