Zaheer Khan has singled out Gurnoor Brar as the young fast bowler who has made the biggest impression on him, ahead of India’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka. The former India left-armer, who has followed Brar’s development closely, feels the youngster has the pace and potential to last at the top level.
Zaheer said it is encouraging to see a new group of quicks bowling at high speed, and that Brar looks the one most likely to enjoy a long and successful career. He also welcomed the fact that the bowler has been fast-tracked. Having spent time working with him, Zaheer said he could see exciting potential, though he stressed that his career still has to play out and that his verdict was based on promise.
Strong showing for India A
Brar’s recent form backs up the praise. On India A’s tour of Sri Lanka he took 4/77 and 6/68 in Galle, finishing with ten wickets in the match as India A won the series 1-0.
He has limited-overs experience too, having made his ODI debut against Afghanistan and taken 11 wickets in six games.
Making his mark in the warm-up
In the ongoing three-day warm-up against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, Brar has taken three wickets across the two innings. He also hit 36 off 18 balls with four sixes.
India’s pace options for the Tests are Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Brar and Auqib Nabi. With the first Test due to start in Galle on August 15, Brar could have a significant part to play.
