Sunil Gavaskar has said India’s selection panel should be given real credit for backing fast bowler Gurnoor Brar, who has been one of the standout performers of the home ODI series against Afghanistan.
A debut that made an impression
The 26-year-old took three wickets on debut in the first ODI at Dharamshala and followed that with 3 for 60 in Lucknow, which included the important dismissal of Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. That gave him six wickets across the first two matches.
Speaking on JioStar, Gavaskar accepted that Brar’s numbers in domestic cricket and for India A were not so striking that his selection looked inevitable. He felt the panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, had spotted qualities that statistics alone do not show.
Among those qualities, Gavaskar listed a smooth run-up, good rhythm, the ability to hit the pitch hard and the knack of getting extra bounce. He pointed to the Gurbaz wicket as an example of the accuracy and steep bounce that can unsettle batters. He also stressed the role of team management in helping young players settle into international cricket.
Brar’s start has strengthened his claim to a long-term ODI role, and he is being viewed by many as a candidate for the 2027 World Cup squad. His pace and bounce could be useful on South African pitches, where that tournament is due to be played.
Gill’s form and captaincy
Gavaskar also connected Shubman Gill’s batting form with his confidence as captain. In his view, captains lean heavily on instinct, and personal form feeds that instinct. When runs are flowing, calls on bowling changes and field settings come more easily, while a lean spell can bring doubt and hesitation.
Gill has had an outstanding series. He led India to victory in the opening ODI with an unbeaten 84 in a rain-affected chase, then made 154 in Lucknow. He took the Player of the Match award in both games.
