For the second straight time, Gurkeerat Singh produced a match-winning knock lower down the order and the 25-year-old Punjabi said it’s an aspect of the game he has been working hard over the last two months.
In the triangular series final against Australia ‘A’ in Chennai, Gurkeerat slammed an 85-ball 87 to power India ‘A’ to a four-wicket victory. On a balmy Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, he once again came in with the team in a spot of bother before smashing a 58-ball 65 and then scalping 5/29 to help India ‘A’ crush Bangladesh ‘A’ by 96 runs.
“Actually, I’ve been trying to build my space in this batting order. I’ve been playing for Punjab at No 6 or 5. You can say that I’m used to it. I need to bat at these situations when you have pressure on your side. I think I do well in such situations,” said Gurkeerat at the post-match press conference.
With South Africa beckoning next month and the bench strength playing really well, there is lot of competition for places in the senior side. When asked if he felt any such pressure, Gurkeerat said the only thing he is focussed on is scoring runs. “I don’t think there is any pressure on me. I’m not thinking about the future. I just want to play every game and perform my best.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh 'A' fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out for the remainder of the series after suffering a side strain.
Taskin, who only bowled five overs but came out to bat during Bangladesh 'A' innings where he was dismissed of the first ball, will be replaced by 23-year-old pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi.
