Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has showered praises on the selectors for backing Gurnoor Brar’s abilities. The 26-year-old pacer, who earned his maiden international call-up in the ongoing Afghanistan series, exhibited brilliant performance. In 2 matches, he claimed 6 wickets, averaging 14.50.

Gurnoor was at his best in his debut match, where he claimed 3/27 in 4.5 overs, in the ODI series opener.

According to Gavaskar, the young right-arm fast bowler could be a part of India’s plans for the upcoming 2027 World Cup in South Africa. His ability to generate natural pace and bounce grabbed the selectors’ attention immediately.

Notably, Gurnoor Brar required only five deliveries to claim his maiden international wicket by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran

‘Compliments to Selection Committee’: Gavaskar About Modern Selection

Sunil Gavaskar, in his recent media interaction on Jiostar, explained that Gurnoor Brar’s selection wasn’t automatic. Regardless of his stats in List A or India A, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee focused on his fitness and raw talent, which are essential to succeed while playing international games.

Here is what Gavaskar said, highlighting the role of the team’s management to nurture young talents like Gurnoor:

“See! The way he maintained his run-up and his momentum was impressive. And the bouncer to dismiss Gurbaz was truly outstanding because it was very accurate, rising exactly where the batter does not prefer it.

All credits and compliments to the selection committee. Although his stats or numbers in India A weren’t that impressive to deserve an Indian cap, the selection committee noticed a special talent in him. That is why they picked him for the Afghanistan tour compared to other bowlers,” the 76-year-old said.

From the above statement, it is understood that Gavaskar was impressed with Agarkar’s fresh approach of selecting players based on their intent rather than relying too much on the statistical data.

Gurnoor Brar Bowling Stats: First Class, List A, ODIs, and T20s

As Sunil Gavaskar said, Gurnoor Brar’s modest bowling records in first-class and List A cricket weren’t enough to earn his maiden international cap. However, the selectors have noticed his raw talent, which has been the main reason to prefer him over talented star bowlers who delivered impressive performances in the IPL.

Let’s take a look at Brar’s stats in First Class, List A, ODIs, and T20 cricket.

Gurnoor Brar’s Performance in Afghanistan ODI Series 2026

Having made his maiden international appearance in the ODI format against Afghanistan at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala, Gurnoor Brar created his first and best impression, repaying the selectors’ faith shown in him.

He bowled 4.5 overs and conceded only 27 runs, but bagged 3 crucial wickets of these Afghan batters:

• Ibrahim Zadran: 1 run off 4 balls.
• Rashid Khan: 9 runs off 13 balls (including 2 fours).
• Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi: 4 runs off 8 balls (including 1 four). 

Subsequently, in the second ODI at the Ekana Stadium, Brar concluded with the bowling figures of 3/60 in 10 overs. Once again, he took 3 important wickets of the Afghan batters:

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 41 runs off 33 balls (including 7 fours and 1 six).
• Hashmatullah Shahidi: 4 runs off 2 balls (including 1 four).
• Mohammad Saleem Safi: 9 runs off 19 balls (including 2 fours).

Have the Indian Selectors Planned for a Perfect Transition?

With one year left for the ODI World Cup 2027, the Indian team’s selection committee has found this as a perfect stage to implement a transition. Amidst a countless number of young talents with highly competitive stats, the selection committee has picked Gurnoor Brar and granted him a valuable opportunity to mark his dream debut.

Following his impressive debut, Gurnoor Brar revealed the significance of altering his lengths according to the pitch conditions. He explained how a batsman can face challenges if the outswing is good. So, he tried to swing as best as he could. At the same time was keen to push his length behind if the swing was less.

By grabbing 6 wickets in 2 matches, Brar sent a clear message to the cricketing world that the art of selecting young talents is purely based on intent rather than their statistical numbers.