Sports

India’s Management Hopes Gurnoor Brar Will Be the X‑Factor for World Cup

By Sidney Kiran

Wellington – Former chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ODI captain Shubman Gill have all praised the potential of 26‑year‑old pacer Gurnoor Brar. Although Brar had not yet made a mark on the domestic circuit or in the IPL before being selected for the Afghanistan ODI series in June, the Indian management believes he could serve as a key backup for the World Cup next year. They cite his ability to deliver hard‑hit deliveries that generate steep bounce, even from good‑length areas, a skill that could be valuable on South African pitches where India will play most of its matches.

Brar can consistently bowl at mid‑140 km/h and is seen as a potential wicket‑taker in the middle overs. With about a year left until the tournament, the management is willing to invest in him.

In New Zealand, Brar has already shown his form. In the first ODI at Eden Park he took 3/44, and in the second match at Hnry Stadium he recorded a career‑best 4/30, including a double‑wicket maiden. Two of those wickets came from fast‑rising short balls, a feature that has attracted the management’s attention. Brar was named Player of the Match in the second game.

Speaking after the match, Brar said the support from the management had boosted his confidence. "It feels good when the management believes in you and thinks you can be the X‑factor. But at the end of the day you have to go out and execute it. I don’t take anything lightly that I have got it. I put in a lot of effort during practice and keep pushing myself," he said.

He added that training with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had helped him refine his lengths and lines. "When I got to train with Virat (Kohli) bhai and Rohit (Sharma) bhai here a few days ago, I asked them what lengths and lines I need to bowl. Those practice sessions helped me a lot. With Shubman also, I have the same conversation, as a batter, tell me where I need to land the ball where it could be difficult for batters," he explained.

Brar also credited bowling coach Morne Morkel for his guidance. "I have learnt a lot from (bowling coach) Morne Morkel. He’s of my height and similar kind of bowling style. So he tells me what line and length I need to bowl on specific wickets," he said.

He said securing a place in the World Cup squad remains a priority. "The ultimate goal is to win a World Cup. That’s always there at the back of the mind. However, personally for me, it’s about how well I can do in the next match. Whatever mistakes I did in this game, I want to minimise in the next. For me, it’s always match by match," he said.

If Brar continues to produce performances like those in New Zealand, he could very well achieve his dream of playing in a World Cup.