Only Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath Ahead Of Him: Gurnoor Brar Joins Elite India List vs New Zealand

Gurnoor Brar is only 11 ODIs old and has taken 21 wickets so far. Seven of those have come in his last two matches in New Zealand. This is a far cry from the ODI series at home against the West Indies, where he picked up three wickets in three matches. In two of those games, Brar conceded 60 or more runs. Brar admitted that being taken apart during the West Indies series was "a little demotivating" but said he learned from the setbacks and bounced back strongly in New Zealand, strengthening his case for a role in India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

The 26-year-old has claimed seven wickets in the first two ODIs, including a match-winning 4/30 in India's four-run DLS-method victory over New Zealand in the rain-affected second match on Saturday, to emerge as the leading wicket-taker in the series at an average of 10.57.

Brar's 4/30 is the third-best bowling figures by an Indian in New Zealand. Only Anil Kumble (5/33 in Wellington, 1994) and Javagal Srinath (4/23 in Auckland, 2002) have recorded better figures.

Brar made an impressive start to his international career with seven wickets against Afghanistan and four in three matches against England, despite being expensive at times. However, he struggled against the West Indies, conceding 96 runs for two wickets in Guwahati, going wicketless while conceding 60 runs in Thiruvananthapuram, and taking 1/64 in Mullanpur.

However, the team continued to back him, and Brar has repaid that faith on the lively New Zealand pitches.

Brar said the support of the team management, particularly head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill helped him negotiate the difficult phase.

"Backing is the most important thing for every player, and everyone is getting it here. The atmosphere is very good. In India, there were flat tracks, but obviously, we also had to try and bowl well. He backed us there as well and told us that the more you hit the right lengths, the better the results will be.

"Even after coming to New Zealand, he said the same thing: back your strength. You just have to deliver the ball, whether it goes for a six or a four, it does not matter to me. You should bowl freely. That is what I am doing, and the results are coming."

With PTI inputs

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