Brar selected for maiden Indian call-up amid pace-bowling depth concerns
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar identifies six-foot-five fast bowler as key prospect for future, citing thinness in current backup options.
Punjab fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has received his maiden call-up to the Indian national squad for both Test and One Day International matches. The six-foot-five pacer, who began playing cricket at age 16, has been identified by selectors as a key prospect for future fast-bowling depth. His development has been supported by mentors including Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, and Ashish Nehra, following a period of injury and learning in the Indian Premier League.
Brar’s selection comes against a backdrop of structural concerns within the national team’s pace department. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has described India’s current pace-bowling backup as thin and injury-prone, creating an urgent need for depth. Agarkar identified Brar as "one for the future," noting that the absence of an overseas tour has provided additional time to assess emerging talent during the India A tour.
The trajectory of Brar’s career has been significantly shaped by institutional mentorship within the IPL ecosystem. Initially spotted by Shubman Gill during Under-19 days, Brar impressed Shikhar Dhawan with his pace while serving as a net bowler for Punjab Kings. Following a serious injury that sidelined him during the 2023-24 season, Gill facilitated Brar’s move to Gujarat Titans as a net bowler for IPL 2024, where he began learning injury prevention from Ashish Nehra.
Brar’s recovery from a disc bulge that progressed to a fracture was attributed to inadequate workload management and recovery protocols. At Gujarat Titans, Nehra provided guidance on listening to his body and managing load, drawing from his own injury-ridden career. This period of learning proved pivotal, leading to Brar being signed by Gujarat Titans for Rs 30 lakh in the 2025 IPL Auction and retained for the 2026 edition.
Domestic cricket reforms have also influenced Brar’s technical development. With the introduction of a single-ball format in domestic matches, bowlers must adapt techniques such as reverse swing. Brar has incorporated this into his arsenal, noting that faster bowling speeds can enhance reverse swing if the ball is well maintained. He has played 18 first-class matches and taken 12 wickets in three India A matches, demonstrating the promise that led to his national selection.
