Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has emerged as one of India's standout performers in the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, making an impressive start to his international career despite spending the entire IPL 2026 season on the bench. The young pacer has seized his first opportunity in national colours, claiming three wickets in each of the opening two matches and quickly establishing himself as a promising addition to India's pace attack.

Standing over six feet tall, Brar has effectively used his height and natural bounce to trouble Afghanistan's batters throughout the series. Bowling at speeds close to 140 kmph, he has consistently hit hard lengths and extracted movement from the surface, making him a difficult proposition for opposition batters. His ability to combine pace with disciplined line and length has been a key factor in India's bowling success.

The right-arm pacer first grabbed attention in the opening ODI, where he maintained an economy rate of under six runs per over in a rain-affected 25-overs-a-side contest. He followed that performance with another impactful spell in the second match, returning figures of 3 for 60 from his full quota of 10 overs. His back-to-back three-wicket hauls have highlighted both his wicket-taking ability and temperament under pressure.

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Reflecting on his journey, Brar said that although he did not feature in a single match during the IPL season, the experience proved invaluable. As part of the Gujarat Titans squad, he spent months observing established international bowlers and studying their methods, preparation and decision-making during matches and training sessions.

According to Brar, watching experienced players closely allowed him to understand what worked at the highest level and what mistakes needed to be avoided. The learning experience helped him refine his own approach and stay prepared for an opportunity, even when he was not part of the playing XI during the tournament.

His strong start against Afghanistan has now strengthened his case for a longer run in the Indian team. With selectors constantly searching for pace-bowling depth ahead of major international assignments, Brar's performances have demonstrated that patience, preparation and learning from experienced professionals can play a crucial role in making a successful transition from domestic and franchise cricket to the international stage.

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