Muktsar pacer Gurnoor Brar strikes on ODI debut against Afghanistan
Known for his high-arm action and ability to generate steep bounce at speeds touching the 145-kmph mark, Brar has impressed with both his pace and confidence
Things are moving quickly for Muktsar pacer Gurnoor Brar.
After earning his maiden call-up to India’s Test and ODI squads recently, the 25-year-old made his ODI debut on Saturday, marking another significant milestone in a rapidly rising career.
The 6-foot-5 pacer, who represents Punjab in domestic cricket and the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is known for being a hit-the-deck bowler. He is also believed to be among the fast bowlers being groomed with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Dharamsala’s seam-friendly conditions and moisture-laden air provided Brar with an ideal stage to begin his international career.
And he wasted little time in making an impact.
In his very first over in international cricket, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran miscued a good-length delivery outside off stump. The batter skied the ball, allowing skipper Shubman Gill to complete a straightforward catch at mid-off.
Known for his high-arm action and ability to generate steep bounce at speeds touching the 145-kmph mark, Brar has impressed with both his pace and confidence.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel, himself a renowned hit-the-deck fast bowler during his playing days, spoke highly of the new crop of pacers after watching them closely during the national training camp.
“My first impressions were that it almost felt like they had been part of the squad for five years. I saw no nervousness in their faces. Although I can imagine coming into the squad they would be pretty nervous, the way they have gone about training and the energy they have trained with has been very nice and good to see in terms of their skills,” Morkel said during the pre-match press conference on Friday.
Brar has claimed 52 wickets in 18 First-Class matches and has also featured in nine List A games and domestic T20 matches for Punjab.
He enjoyed a phenomenal 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, finishing as Punjab’s leading wicket-taker. Earlier, he had also caught the selectors’ attention during India A’s tour of Australia, where he picked up six wickets against Australia A.
