PLAYER DIARIES
Follow UsThe injury list at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 continues to grow with the Raj Angad Bawa being the latest victim. The 20-year-old, suffered a shoulder injury, which has ruled him out of the tournament. However, it paves way for 22-year-old Gurnoor Brar to make an impact, but what does he offer Punjab Kings (PBKS)? Here's a quick look at his short journey:
England tour
He was part of the Mumbai Indians-owned Reliance Cricket Team's tour of England in 2022, where he featured in a couple of T20 games against Kent and Sussex. Opening the bowling, alongside Jaydev Unadkat, he picked up 2 for 34 against Kent Second XI and in the next game against Sussex Second XI, he went wicketless, but gave away just 12 runs in two overs.
A power-hitter
In the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, walking in at nine with his side struggling at 147 for 7, Gurnoor played a counter-attacking innings scoring 64 off 60 to help his take a vital 76-run first-innings lead against Jammu & Kashmir at Mohali. The knock proved crucial as Punjab went on to win the game by four wickets.
Early beginnings
Gurnoor was part of the Red Bull Campus 2019 winning side, representing DAV College, Chandigarh. He starred in the summit clash finishing with 3 for 16 to help his side to a one-run win. The final was played at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur, where scouts from Rajasthan Royals were present. However, it was not RR who picked him up as a net bowler, it was the five-time champions MI.
Style of play
A tall (6' 5") hit the deck bowler, Gurnoor often hurries the batter into a shot. He is not afraid to ball short and intimidate the batters with his pace and at the same time has the knack of knocking the wickets over with full, fast and accurate deliveries.
As far as his batting has concerned, he has shown glimpses of his power-hitting in the limited chances that he can hit it a long way and could be a valuable addition in the lower-order.
Competitive cricket
Officially, Gurnoor has played five first-class matches and one List A game. In the longest format he has picked up seven wickets at 45.57, with his best figures of 4 for 16 coming against Tripura in Agartala in December 2022. He has played just one 50-over match - against Goa in December 2021.
What does he offer PBKS?
While he has replaced Raj Angad Bawa in the squad, Gurnoor offers more as a bowler than a batter, unlike Bawa whose skillsets were the other way around. Gurnoor can very well be kept as an impact player, and when the time comes, he could very well come in ahead of Rishi Dhawan.
