India's Gurnoor Brar in action during the second One-Day International cricket match against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on June 17, 2026.
| Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Well begun is half done.Cricket careers do not necessarily conform to this saying, for they are long, arduous and years-long projects. But Gurnoor Brar has certainly begun well, and made a fine first impression.In his opening two international outings, the 26-year-old has taken three wickets each. Importantly, he has bowled with good pace and bounce, and showcased variety, validating the selectors’ decision to fast-track his entry into the National team.“Results don’t matter to me, preparation does,” Gurnoor declared after India’s 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI here on Wednesday.— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2026“[What matters is] whether I can repeat this every day. I want to do better and I know that I can. Hopefully, in the coming matches, I will do better.”The two matches against the Afghans were Gurnoor’s first taste of competitive action in nearly five months. He was with Gujarat Titans — also captained by Shubman Gill — for the entirety of the IPL but did not get a game.“There is a very good atmosphere at GT,” he said. “There is [Ashish] Nehra sir, [Kagiso] Rabada, [Mohammed] Siraj, Ishant Sharma… so, you get to learn a lot.“Like everyone, I want to play. I was waiting for my chance there. But at the same time, I was also learning things. Instead of IPL, by god’s grace, I got this opportunity to play for India and show my skills.”
