Former India cricketer and opener Wasim Jaffer has stated that seamer Gurnoor Brar has been fast-tracked due to the pace he generates and his height. Jaffer’s comments came after Gurnoor Brar made his debut in the opening game of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The contest was played on Saturday, June 13th, in Dharamsala.
The 26-year-old was impressive, as he returned with figures of 3/27 in 4.5 overs as the visitors were bundled out for 194 in 24.5 overs in a rain-curtailed 25-overs-a-side contest. In response, skipper Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 84 off 66 balls as the hosts won by seven wickets with 13 balls remaining.
Wasim Jaffer on why Gurnoor Brar was fast-tracked into the senior team
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer Official, the 48-year-old opined that Gurnoor Brar has solid action and has not played much junior cricket, but has been pushed through the ranks quickly because of his potential.
He said, “Very impressive because he Gurnoor Brar has that pace, that speed. You know, he has been fast-tracked for that reason, and also because of his height. He bowls at speeds of 144-145 kmph, gets bounce, and has a very good, solid, strong action. He has not played a lot of junior cricket. I feel the more he plays, the better he will become. He has been fast-tracked because of the promise and potential he showed.”Â
He further added, “And I think he did not disappoint. In his very first match, he bowled really well. Today also, the kind of bowling he delivered, the pace, the line and length, looked very promising. He looks like a very exciting prospect.”Â
The Punjab seamer has featured in just 10 List-A matches, taking 15 wickets, with a best bowling figure of 4/57.
Wasim Jaffer on working with Gurnoor Brar and his potential
In the same video, Wasim Jaffer pointed out that he had worked with Gurnoor Brar at Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL. He noted that although the pacer has not received many opportunities in the league, he is someone who could play in both Test and ODI cricket.
Wasim Jaffer said, “I knew this already because I had worked with him in Punjab. I think he played a full season in 2024, and from there, he also came into the Gujarat Titans setup. He did not get many chances in the IPL, but because of his potential, people are talking about him. We could see that he could be someone in the future who might bowl for us in Test Cricket as well as in One Day Cricket.”Â
The seamer will next return to action when India hosts Afghanistan in the second match of the series on Wednesday, June 17th, in Lucknow. Gurnoor Brar will be hoping he can deliver the goods in the second match as well and let the stocks go up for him. This second match could be his first real Test as he has to bowl long spells and 10 overs. The first match was shortened due to rain. The weather has to stay dry for this game to be a 50-overs contest.
Gurnoor will be hoping he puts in another solid display and others support him as a unit with India looking to seal the series and give Shubman Gill the ODI captain his first series win. So far, Gill has lost both the ODI series he has captained. One in Australia and one against New Zealand at home. He would want to make amends and fight back to win this series, which will be a first for Gill. Brar may have a pivotal role to play in achieving that.
Let’s see how things unfold in the second ODI in Lucknow.
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