CRICKET | Gurnoor validates selectors’ decision to fast-track him into national side

Well begun is half done.

Cricket careers do not necessarily conform to this saying, for they are long, arduous and years-long projects. But Gurnoor Brar has certainly begun well, and made a fine first impression.

In his opening two international outings, the 26-year-old has taken three wickets each. Importantly, he has bowled with good pace and bounce, and showcased variety, validating the selectors’ decision to fast-track his entry into the National team.

“Results don’t matter to me, preparation does,” Gurnoor declared after India’s 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI here on Wednesday.

“[What matters is] whether I can repeat this every day. I want to do better and I know that I can. Hopefully, in the coming matches, I will do better.”

The two matches against the Afghans were Gurnoor’s first taste of competitive action in nearly five months. He was with Gujarat Titans — also captained by Shubman Gill — for the entirety of the IPL but did not get a game.

“There is a very good atmosphere at GT,” he said. “There is [Ashish] Nehra sir, [Kagiso] Rabada, [Mohammed] Siraj, Ishant Sharma… so, you get to learn a lot.

“Like everyone, I want to play. I was waiting for my chance there. But at the same time, I was also learning things. Instead of IPL, by god’s grace, I got this opportunity to play for India and show my skills.”

India’s Gurnoor Brar in action during the second One-Day International cricket match against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on June 17, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

Gurnoor’s USP is his hit-the-deck style, but over the past week, he has shown that there is more to him, including fuller-length deliveries and yorkers.

“It’s not just about bowling fast, fast, fast,” the Punjab pacer explained. “Many batters like pace, especially when there is not much in the wicket. So it is about planning.

“According to me, every fast bowler should work on yorkers. At the back end of the innings, yorkers are very useful, especially when you have good hitters. The management and the bowling coach back us a lot. And with that, we can bowl more freely.”