Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has suggested that uncapped pacer Gurnoor Brar could be an ‘X-factor’ for India in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The two-match series is scheduled to commence on August 15 in Galle. Maharoof’s comments were made during an interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.
Brar, who is part of India’s squad for the Test series, made his international debut in an ODI against Afghanistan earlier this year. In six innings, he has taken 11 wickets at an average of 32.81. His first-class cricket record includes 62 wickets from 19 matches at an average of 25.24, with four four-wicket hauls, two five-wicket hauls, and one 10-wicket match haul.
Brar’s Potential and Impact
Maharoof highlighted Brar’s attributes, stating, “I like Gurnoor Brar. I think he can be an X-factor. He has the bounce, pace, the fighting spirit, and he can be nasty.” He noted Brar’s performance in India’s warm-up game against Sri Lanka XI, where Brar secured three wickets and challenged several batters with Test experience.
“If you watched the warm-up match, some of the deliveries he bowled against the batters who have already played Tests, he made them quite uneasy. A couple of players also got some body blows,” Maharoof added. He acknowledged that Brar’s limited Test experience might make his selection a risk, but believes his ability to generate pace and bounce could make him a valuable asset in short spells.
Maharoof expressed his inclination to include Brar if he were part of the Indian think tank. “If I am the think tank of India, I will be tempted to try Brar. I know he has not played red-ball cricket and has just played white-ball cricket for India, but he brings that X-factor, those short spells where you just want to break the rhythm of the batter. He can be a lethal weapon,” he explained.
Brar was selected for the Test squad despite having limited first-class matches and IPL experience. He also participated in India A’s tour to Sri Lanka last month, where he achieved a 10-wicket haul in a match in Galle.
Praise for Gill and Concerns for Sri Lanka
Maharoof also commended India captain Shubman Gill, who will lead the team in the upcoming series. “Shubman Gill is a quality player. He is one of the best going around; his Test average this year is 70-odd. Numbers speak for themselves. The way he batted in the second innings of that warm-up match was superb. He is one of the best going around, not only in Tests, but also in all formats,” Maharoof stated.
Regarding Rishabh Pant, Maharoof sees him as a dangerous player despite his recent struggles. Pant scored 2 and 28 in the warm-up game. “If I were in the Sri Lankan dressing room, I would be very worried about Rishabh Pant. He is a player who, within half an hour or 45 minutes, can completely change the game,” Maharoof commented, highlighting Pant’s X-factor and unorthodox style.
Maharoof anticipates a 1-1 draw in the series, noting the challenge Indian batters will face against Sri Lankan spinners, particularly Prabath Jayasuriya, who is known as the ‘King of Galle’. He emphasized Jayasuriya’s ability to bowl with the crosswind, which is expected to be a significant factor in Galle.
India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Tests includes Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, and Auqib Nabi.
Spin Options for India
Maharoof believes India will miss the retired Ravichandran Ashwin and the injured Washington Sundar, as Sri Lankan pitches often offer bounce for spinners. While Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be the primary spinners, there is discussion about the third spinner.
Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who took seven wickets on his debut against Afghanistan, and uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain, who claimed seven wickets and scored an unbeaten 70 with India A in Sri Lanka, are among the contenders. Maharoof suggested that Suthar’s ability to generate bounce could give him an edge, even if it means fielding three left-arm spinners.
“If you ask me, I would be tempted to go with the two left-arm spinners as well as Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep is a frontrunner to start in Galle, especially considering his record and the number of wickets he took in the last Test against Afghanistan,” Maharoof said. He added, “I see three spinners for India. Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and either Suthar or Jain. Ideally, you would like an off-spinner for variation, but I would not be surprised if Manav Suthar plays because his ability to get bounce off the surface could be very handy in Galle.”
The Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
