Gurnoor Brar has impressed me the most, says Zaheer Khan ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Gurnoor Brar has earned recognition for his recent performances as India prepares for the Test series against Sri Lanka. The 26-year-old pacer from Punjab has caught the attention of senior figures in Indian cricket following his standout displays in the early goings of his international career. His selection for the Test squad marks a significant step in his career as he looks to continue making his mark at the international level.

Zaheer Khan, the former India pacer, has backed Brar to have a lengthy international career. Khan spent time with the young bowler and closely observed his development, leading him to offer an assessment of the emerging talent.

"It’s good to see a young crop of fast bowlers coming through that bowl high speeds. I believe Gurnoor Brar is the one who has the ability to have a good and lengthy career. Its good that he has been fast-tracked. Even when I spent some time with him, I could see exciting potential in him. We have to wait and see how his career materialises eventually, but on potential, he has impressed me the most," Zaheer said.

Brar's recent performances have justified the faith shown in him by the Indian cricket establishment. During India A's tour of Sri Lanka, he took 10 wickets across two innings in a match at Galle, claiming 4 for 77 in the first innings and 6 for 68 in the second innings. India A won the series 1-0 during that tour, with Brar playing a crucial role in the team's success.

The pacer has also made an impact in limited-overs cricket, having made his ODI debut against Afghanistan. In six ODI matches, he has picked up 11 wickets, demonstrating his ability to perform across formats. His all-round contribution to the team has been evident in both batting and bowling during recent matches.

In the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, Brar showcased his versatility by contributing with both bat and ball. He took 3 wickets across two innings while chipping in with the bat, scoring 36 runs off 18 deliveries with four sixes. The practice fixture provided valuable preparation ahead of the Test series.

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India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series included Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi among the fast-bowling options. The first Test is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, at Galle. Brar looks set to make an immediate impact as India begins its campaign in the series.