India’s latest pacer Gurnoor Brar left a lasting impression during his ODI debut with the wicket of the opponent opener right off the mark in the first ODI match between Afghanistan and India in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The rain-affected game was shortened to 25 overs a side after being delayed for several hours because of wet weather on Saturday. The home team won the toss and batted under cloudy skies after captain Shubman Gill decided to put the opposition batting first.
The right-arm fast bowler started off brilliantly when he claimed the wicket of Afghanistan’s opener Ibrahaim Zadran on the fifth delivery of his first over. In what proved to be a good choice, Brar had been given the new ball with Arshdeep Singh in the opening over. After restricting the batsmen to just two singles in the initial four balls of his first over, the pacer got one past Zadran who mistimed his shot in the air to mid-off, taking a simple catch for Gill as Afghanistan lost their first wicket on 13 runs after 1.5 overs.
From Mumbai Indians Net Bowler To India Debutant
Brar’s path to joining the Indian team has been all about consistent performances rather than just hype. At around 6-foot-5, this right-arm pacer has made a name for himself by generating impressive bounce and keeping batters on their toes with his hit-the-deck style of bowling. He started off as a net bowler for the Mumbai Indians in 2019 and has since climbed the ranks in Punjab cricket. His domestic stats have only bolstered his case for greater recognition. In 18 first-class matches, he has taken 52 wickets with an average of 27.30. Additionally, he has bagged 12 wickets in nine List A games and 10 wickets in nine T20 matches. A standout domestic season, highlighted by a five-wicket haul against Bihar and a successful stint in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, has put him in the spotlight for national selection.
With senior bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj out for the Afghanistan ODI series, the selectors looked to Brar as a promising long-term pace option. The team management’s trust in him paid off right away. His first-over wicket not only gave India an early advantage but also showcased the potential that has secured him a spot in the country’s future pace-bowling plans.
