The Indian squad for the upcoming Afghanistan Test and ODI series has introduced a promising new name in the spotlight as Gurnoor Brar receives his maiden call-up to the national team. The selection of Gurnoor Brar has quickly become a talking point among cricket fans, as the 25-year-old fast bowler from Muktsar, Punjab, prepares to step onto the international stage after years of hard work and perseverance.
Gurnoor Brar : From Football Fields to Fast Bowling Breakthrough
Interestingly, Gurnoor did not begin his sporting journey with cricket. Growing up, he was more interested in football and tennis and played cricket only casually. His career took a decisive turn when a friend noticed his towering height—around 6.5 feet—and suggested he try fast bowling, a move that would ultimately reshape his future.
That natural advantage helped Gurnoor generate steep bounce and pace, making him a difficult bowler to face. His raw talent soon began to attract attention at the district level, setting him on a path toward professional cricket.
Shubman Gill’s Early Support Proves Crucial
A key moment in the rise of Gurnoor came when he crossed paths with Shubman Gill during Gill’s time in the India Under-19 setup. Impressed by Brar’s pace and potential, Gill helped him get opportunities in the Mohali district circuit, which later led to his selection in Punjab’s Under-23 team.
This early recognition played a major role in shaping the career of Gurnoor Brar, giving him the platform he needed to showcase his abilities at higher levels.
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Shikhar Dhawan’s Influence and IPL Journey
The rise of Gurnoor continued as he impressed during domestic cricket, earning a List-A debut for Punjab in 2021 and a first-class debut in 2022. His performances also caught the attention of the IPL franchise Punjab Kings, where he initially joined as a net bowler.
Former captain Shikhar Dhawan was particularly impressed with Brar’s ability and reportedly encouraged him strongly, even telling him he deserved a place in the team. Soon after, Gurnoor Brar made his IPL debut in 2023 for Punjab Kings, although the match proved challenging as he conceded 42 runs in three overs.
Despite setbacks, Gurnoor Brar continued to work on his skills and remained determined to improve his game.
Gujarat Titans Opportunity and Domestic Progress
Even after going unsold in a later IPL auction, Gurnoor Brar received another chance when Gujarat Titans brought him in as a net bowler in 2024. His consistent efforts eventually earned him a contract worth ₹30 lakh for the 2025 season, with the franchise retaining him for 2026 as well.
Across domestic cricket, Gurnoor Brar has played 18 first-class matches, taking 52 wickets, along with 12 wickets in List-A cricket and 10 wickets in T20s—showing his growing versatility across formats.
India Call-Up Marks a New Chapter
Now, the selection of Gurnoor Brar for the Indian squad marks the biggest milestone of his career so far. The journey of Gurnoor Brar from a casual sports enthusiast in Punjab to an India international reflects persistence, support from mentors, and continuous improvement.
As he prepares for the Afghanistan series, all eyes will be on Gurnoor Brar to see how he translates his domestic success into international performance.