Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar reflected on his journey to the Indian team, crediting domestic cricket, Gujarat Titans experience, Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill for his growth. He also recalled his emotional reaction after earning maiden Test and ODI call-ups
Published Date – 16 June 2026, 02:48 PM
Hyderabad: Gurnoor Brar, the tall seamer from Punjab, earned his maiden Test and ODI call-up for the Afghanistan series and made an immediate impact on his India debut in the ODI series opener, claiming three wickets.
Speaking to JioStar, Brar reflected on his journey from age-group cricket to the national team, the role of Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill in his development, and the emotions he experienced after receiving his maiden India call-up.
“I was 16 when I played my first district match, an Under-19 game. Shubman Gill was the captain of the team in that game. After that, I represented Punjab for the first time in the Under-23 state tournament. Then COVID happened. In the 2021 season, only three group-stage matches were played in the Ranji Trophy,” Brar said.
“Because of the extended squads due to COVID, I was named in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squads. I made my Vijay Hazare debut against Goa in 2021. The following year, I played a full Ranji Trophy season, about five matches and ended up as Punjab’s highest wicket-taker with 26 wickets. That gave me a push. I started believing in myself and realised that I could win matches on my own. Of course, cricket is a team sport, but if you believe that you can do well and win games for your side, it makes a huge difference,” he explained.
On how joining Gujarat Titans proved to be a turning point in his growth, Brar said: “I joined Gujarat Titans as a net bowler in 2024. That’s when Ashish Nehra sir first noticed me. He was impressed with my height, my pace and my ability to swing the ball. His appreciation gave me confidence. My growth truly began after joining the Titans camp. Nehra sir and Shubman Gill supported me a lot.”
“They pushed me to get better every day. When you have that kind of backing from experienced people, it makes a huge difference. My ultimate dream is to represent India in Test cricket. That is what I want most. Yes, everyone wants to play IPL, ODIs and T20Is. But Test cricket is the ultimate format; nothing is above that. As a kid, every cricketer dreams of wearing the white jersey. That dream never changes. Being picked in the Test and ODI sides is a great feeling. Now, I don’t just want to play for India. I want to win matches for India,” he said.
On finding out that he had been picked in both Test and ODI squads, Brar said: “Before every practice session, I take a 45-minute nap. It’s my routine. On the day of the squad announcement, I was doing the same, just resting at home. While I was sleeping, my friend called and told me that I had been selected.”
“I was expecting to make the Test squad only, but then I found out I was also in the ODI squad. That was unexpected. I don’t have enough words to describe that feeling. It was overwhelming. My parents called immediately. They were emotional. When I reached the ground for practice, the entire Punjab team congratulated me. The coaches shook my hand. It was a special moment. That day felt different as all the hard work had finally paid off,” he said.
On his favourite bowler, Brar said: “My favourite bowler is Dale Steyn. Being the number one bowler for seven to eight years is a huge achievement. That kind of consistency is rare. The aggression he bowled with was incredible. He didn’t just take wickets; he made batters fear him. Every time he ran in, you knew something was going to happen. I am a big fan of that attitude. The way he celebrated after picking up a wicket, the roar, the energy, the intensity, I loved that. It showed how much it meant to him. He didn’t just want wickets; he wanted to dominate. I really liked his whole approach. That is the kind of fast bowler I want to be.”
On his mindset after earning the India call-up, Brar said: “Every cricketer dreams of playing for India. I feel truly blessed to have been selected. When I started my career, my only goal was to get here. Now that I am here, my mindset hasn’t changed. I don’t just want to play; I want to perform, succeed and stay at this level. I want to prove that I belong in international cricket.”
“That mindset will never change – whether it’s my first game or my 100th. When I wear the Indian jersey, I want to give everything for it. I don’t want to carry unnecessary pressure about what might happen or how I will perform. Of course, nervousness and pressure will always be there. But I choose to see it as a proud moment. Out of millions of people in this country, I have been given this chance. That is a huge honour. I feel blessed, and now I must deliver. With that positive mindset, I will go out and give my absolute best every time,” he explained.
