Having earned a maiden call-up to India's One-day squad for the upcoming series against South Africa, Punjab all-rounder Gurkeerat Singh Mann said captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh are his batting and bowling role models respectively.
Rewarded with a place in the ODI team after a consistent performance for India 'A' in recent limited-overs' matches, he said he learnt a lot by just watching limited-overs' skipper Dhoni play.
"In the current lot, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is my batting role model because we both play very much at the same batting order. I relate to his game a lot, and I earnestly watch him bat whenever he is playing for India. I get to learn a lot from him," Gurkeerat told reporters, after India 'A' won the third one-dayer against Bangladesh 'A', at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Sunday, and clinched the series 2-1 .
Gurkeerat struck a fine 65 in the opening game and also returned figures of 5 for 29 with his off-spin to give India ‘A’ the lead in the three-match series.
The Muktsar-born player said he always looked up to veteran off-spinner Harbhajan for tips.
"My bowling role model is Harbhajan Singh. We were lucky to have him play in this year's Ranji Trophy. Whenever I had a bowling problem I went up to him for some vital tips," he said.
Asked if he was surprised by the call-up to India's squad, Gurkeerat replied: "Selection is something which you have no control on and there is no point thinking about that."
On the challenge of playing alongside senior players like Dhoni and others, he said he would gain experience by rubbing shoulders with some of the legends of the game.
"More than challenge, I will gain experience, because I will share dressing room with seniors who are legends. That's it I would learn from them," Gurkeerat said.
Replying to a query about his Kings XI Punjab coach Sanjay Bangar's influence, he said, "Bangar has been a valuable factor for me. He has helped with my batting techniques, which eventually helped me improve my game."
Looking forward to the South Africa series, Gurkeerat, who will be looking to make an impact if given a chance in the ODIs, starting October 11 in Kanpur, believes that playing against the likes of Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn would be a challenge and an ideal opportunity to showcase one's talent.
"However, any player on a given a day is a potential danger," he added.
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- Gurkeerat earns surprise call-up in Dhoni-led squad for SA ODIs
