After the first unofficial “Test” resulted in a draw, India A managed to win the second by 10 wickets, thanks to Gurnoor Brar's heroics with the ball.
India A speedster Brar picked dup 10 wickets in the second unofficial “Test” against Sri Lanka A, in Galle. Brar had made headlines last month when he made his ODI debut for India in the series against Afghanistan.
Along with Sai Sudharsan's 168 in the first innings, Brar's bowling poise was the highlight of the match which helped India A seal a 10-wicket victory. A right-arm fast bowler from Punjab, Brar replaced Anshul Kamboj, who could manage a solitary wicket in the first unofficial “Test”.
Brar scalped 4-77 in the first innings of 366, which included the important wicket of Sri Lanka A skipper Sahan Arachchige, who was playing on a robust 127. Sai Sudharsan's 168 orchestrated India' first innings, handing them a lead of 177 before they declared.
However, it was in the second innings in which Brar inflicted major damage, picking up 6-68, his career-best innings figures in first-class cricket. His bowling decided the match in India A's favour as Sri Lanka A could only get to 209, stacking a lead of a mere 32. Sai Sudharsan and Aman Mokhade got the runs without losing a wicket.
Gurnoor Brar pushes for Test selection
Brar has been a vital cog for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. In 19 first-class matches till date, he has bagged 56 wickets at 25.24. In 2024/25, he bagged 26 wickets in seven matches, and was the highest wicket-taker for Punjab in the season.
On his international debut, in the ODI series against Afghanistan, Brar impressed with his exceptional pace and smooth action, bagging seven wickets in three matches. However, he has now showcased his skills with the red ball in hand, and can be a wily customer.
India's next Test assignment commences at the same venue on August 15, 2026, with a two-match series against Sri Lanka. However, with Sri Lanka not being a very pacer-friendly environment, it will be interesting to see how many pacers the visitors pick for the tour.
With Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as the two speedsters in the Indian Test side currently, Brar might just get the nod (if and only if Jasprit Bumah is still rested).
However, an important Test assignment will be when the Indians tour New Zealand for a two-match Test series. If not for the Lankan tour, Brar may earn a Test call-up for the New Zealand series.
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