New Delhi, May 20: Fast bowler Gurnoor Barar has been selected for the Test and ODI teams against Afghanistan. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar regards this 6-foot-5-inch player as a “future prospect.”
Gurnoor has impressed everyone with his speed, troubling opposing batsmen with bounce and reverse swing. A fan of Dale Steyn, Gurnoor often mimicked the bowling actions of Steyn, Brett Lee, and Shoaib Akhtar while crossing the street.
In school, Gurnoor played tennis and football. A friend from school encouraged him to try out for cricket, leading to his meeting with Shubman Gill two years later, who appreciated Gurnoor’s pace. With Gill’s support, Barar got the opportunity to play for the district team.
In 2021, Gurnoor made his List-A debut for Punjab. The following year, he debuted in first-class cricket, after which he was included as a net bowler by Punjab Kings. He impressed Shikhar Dhawan and earned a spot on the team. However, in 2023, he played only one IPL match without taking any wickets.
During the Sher-e-Punjab Trophy, Gurnoor suffered an injury that sidelined him for the 2023-24 season. During this time, he did not have an IPL contract. Fortunately, Shubman Gill offered him a chance to join Gujarat Titans as a net bowler.
At Gujarat Titans, Ashish Nehra taught Gurnoor the importance of body management alongside bowling. Nehra emphasized the necessity of workload balance. Gurnoor also formed a friendship with Kagiso Rabada, who consistently advised him to keep his bowling simple.
For IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans signed Gurnoor for 1.3 crore rupees, but he has yet to play a match for the team.
In his first-class career, Gurnoor has played 18 matches, taking 52 wickets at an average of 27.30. In 9 List-A matches, he has claimed 12 wickets, while in 9 T20 matches, he has taken 10 wickets.
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