‘India A was the stepping stone’: Gurnoor Brar credits home journey for seamless transition

Gurnoor Brar took three wickets in both his first appearances for India. (AP) TimesofIndia.com in Lucknow: Gurnoor Brar may have quickly earned attention for his pace, hard lengths and ability to trouble batsmen at international level, but the right-arm pacer believes his path is firmly rooted in the domestic circuit and the India A structure that bridges the gap between first-class cricket and the national team.Brar was again the pick of the bowlers for India as he picked up three wickets in the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. He also took three wickets in the rain-curtailed first ODI in Dharamsala. At the post-match press conference in Lucknow, Brar was asked about the reputation he has as a fast bowler capable of hitting the deck relentlessly. However, the 26-year-old was quick to play down the labels and numbers.“I don’t think much about reputation or expectations. I believe in myself and the work I do. Whether it’s bowling hard lengths or fuller lengths, I focus on what I need to do rather than results,” Brar said after India’s massive 170-run win.For the Punjab pacer, consistency in preparation remains more important than match returns.“The most important thing is the preparation and if I can repeat my processes consistently every day. Even in these two matches I feel I can do better. I know I can aim better than today and I hope to improve in the upcoming matches.”

Performances in Ranji Trophy can take you to India A, Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup. I was very happy when I got the invitation to India A

Gurnoor Brar

A significant part of that development, according to Brar, came through the India A setup. Temper described it as a crucial step in his progression and credited domestic cricket for giving him the platform to dream bigger.“The India A setup was a big stepping stone. Performances in Ranji Trophy can get you into India A, Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup. I was very happy when I got the India A invite,” he said.More importantly, Brar found that the methods that brought him success in domestic cricket remained effective at a higher level.“The same things that have worked for me in domestic cricket, fast bowling, hitting hard lengths and swinging the ball, I have tried to replicate at the India A level as well.” The India A dressing room also gave him access to experienced international cricketers. One of them was Mohammed Siraj, whose guidance proved valuable.“Siraj bhai was also there and I spoke to him a lot,” revealed Brar.His learning curve was further accelerated at Gujarat Titans where he spent time observing and interacting with some of the leading fast bowlers in the country.“The environment at Gujarat Titans helped me a lot. There are experienced people like Ashish Nehra sir, Siraj bhai, Prasidh bhai and Ishant Sharma. One learns so much from them,” he said.

Gurnoor Brar celebrates the wicket of Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi during the second ODI in Lucknow. (PTI)

While opportunities weren’t always guaranteed, Brar used every day as a learning experience.“I waited for my opportunity, but at the same time, I watched what they did well and where they made mistakes. I always focused on learning as much as I could so that I could perform better every time I got the opportunity.”This growth was also reflected in his death-bowling skills. Highlighting the importance of yorkers in modern cricket, Brar said it is an area that every fast bowler needs to work on.

I’m never satisfied. I am happy that I have performed well but I want to do more for Team India

Gurnoor Brar

“I think every fast bowler should work on yorkers. I also spend a lot of time death bowling and improving my yorkers as they are very important, especially against quality pacers.”Even after a successful start in Indian colours, Brar is far from satisfied.“I am never satisfied. I am happy that I have performed well but I want to do more for Team India. I want to keep improving and contributing.”Brar is tipped as someone who could be useful in South African conditions at the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the pacer has started his international career off right.