'He's got the pace and bounce': Shubman Gill identifies key quality in Gurnoor Brar as India plan for 2027 ODI World Cup
toi
newspoint|07-11-2026
India's search for the next generation of fast-bowling stars ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup appears to have found an exciting prospect in Gurnoor Brar . The young pacer delivered a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the second ODI in Wellington, and captain Shubman Gill was quick to acknowledge his potential, highlighting his pace, bounce and the need for greater consistency.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj absent from the current setup, the ongoing series has provided an opportunity for India's relatively inexperienced bowling attack to make a case for a longer run in the team. Brar, who returned figures of 4/30 to dismantle New Zealand's batting line-up, has made a strong impression, prompting Gill to back the youngster to develop into a more consistent performer.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Gill praised Brar's progress while pointing out the areas he needs to work on.
"Gurnoor, even in the last match as well, has been bowling really well. Hopefully, as he plays more games and gets more experience, he'll become more consistent with his line and length. He's got the pace, he's got the bounce. It's all about how consistent he can be, and we saw today the kind of quality he brings if he can keep bowling like this," Gill said.
India's search for pace-bowling options ahead of 2027 World Cup
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India will be keen to expand their pool of fast-bowling options and identify players who can step up when their established stars are unavailable. Bumrah and Siraj remain central to India's pace-bowling plans, but managing workloads and building adequate backup options will be equally important as the team prepares for the global tournament.
The ongoing New Zealand series has offered opportunities to bowlers such as Brar, Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj to showcase their abilities at the international level. Brar's four-wicket haul in Wellington, in particular, has strengthened his case for further opportunities.
The ongoing New Zealand series has offered opportunities to bowlers such as Brar, Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj to showcase their abilities at the international level. Brar's four-wicket haul in Wellington, in particular, has strengthened his case for further opportunities.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj absent from the current setup, the ongoing series has provided an opportunity for India's relatively inexperienced bowling attack to make a case for a longer run in the team. Brar, who returned figures of 4/30 to dismantle New Zealand's batting line-up, has made a strong impression, prompting Gill to back the youngster to develop into a more consistent performer.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Gill praised Brar's progress while pointing out the areas he needs to work on.
"Gurnoor, even in the last match as well, has been bowling really well. Hopefully, as he plays more games and gets more experience, he'll become more consistent with his line and length. He's got the pace, he's got the bounce. It's all about how consistent he can be, and we saw today the kind of quality he brings if he can keep bowling like this," Gill said.
India's search for pace-bowling options ahead of 2027 World Cup
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India will be keen to expand their pool of fast-bowling options and identify players who can step up when their established stars are unavailable. Bumrah and Siraj remain central to India's pace-bowling plans, but managing workloads and building adequate backup options will be equally important as the team prepares for the global tournament.
The ongoing New Zealand series has offered opportunities to bowlers such as Brar, Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj to showcase their abilities at the international level. Brar's four-wicket haul in Wellington, in particular, has strengthened his case for further opportunities.
The ongoing New Zealand series has offered opportunities to bowlers such as Brar, Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj to showcase their abilities at the international level. Brar's four-wicket haul in Wellington, in particular, has strengthened his case for further opportunities.
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