‘All the hard work finally paid off’: Gurnoor Brar’s emotional reaction after dream India debut

India’s Gurnoor Brar (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia) India’s convincing win over Afghanistan in the opening ODI in Dharamsala belonged to two players at opposite ends of their international journeys. While debutant Gurnoor Brar announced himself on the big stage with an impressive spell of fast bowling, skipper Shubman Gill once again showed why he remains one of the world’s leading ODI batsmen.A rain-curtailed match saw India secure a comfortable seven-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but for Brar, the match marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.The Punjab pacer, who earned his first India cap after a strong domestic performance, admitted that excitement rather than pressure dominated his thoughts before entering the field.“Obviously I wouldn’t say there was pressure but there was excitement… like, I have to do well for India, I have to mix well. Obviously everyone here wants to give their best and I did the same. I had to give my best and by God’s grace it went well,” Brar said during an interview with Gill in a video shared by the BCCI.Brar immediately justified the faith of the selectors. He worked at real pace, consistently breaking the 145 km/h mark and reaching 148.2 km/h during a memorable spell that produced figures of 3/27.The 26-year-old, who took more than 50 wickets in 18 first-class matches and impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, said the first international wicket brought him an immediate sense of calm.“It’s a weird feeling, like all the hard work finally paid off, all the grind like me in this heat…yeah, it’s a weird moment.“(The first goal) yeah, it’s like a milestone that you just have to cross. When that first goal suddenly happened, it brought a sense of relief like ‘there’s no more tension now’.”Gill then reminded Brar of his first goal, which came when Ibrahim Zadran mishandled a catch high in the air. The India captain jokingly asked if the debutant was worried that the chances might drop.Brar’s answer drew a smile.“Because you were under it, I knew it wouldn’t fall.Despite Brar’s breakthrough performance, Afghanistan remained competitive thanks to a sensational innings from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 102 off just 51 deliveries to propel the visitors to 194 all out.However, India’s chase was led by Gill. The skipper remained unbeaten on 84 and managed the chase carefully on a surface that was not exactly straight for batting.Explaining his approach, Gill said he came in with the clear aim of staying until the end and finishing the match himself.“So when I went to bat, my main thing was I wanted to be there until the end. I wanted to finish the game for the team. And you know, the start the way I expected, the start didn’t come. So I knew I had to sharpen up a bit. The wicket was good but it was a bit sticky,” Gill said.“The ball was spinning a little bit and bending a little bit. So I thought if I could overcome that, it would make the game easier and easier.“Once the runs started I found my rhythm. Obviously you feel very good when you plan something and everything goes according to plan.”Gill’s calculated knock ensured there were no late hiccups as India completed the chase in 22.5 overs. While the skipper guided the hosts home with another mature ODI innings, Brar left Dharamsala with memories that will last him a lifetime after a dream debut in Indian colours.