# Brar tipped as X-factor for Sri Lanka Tests 2026-08-13T01:50:44+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets Jasprit Bumrah's knee injury rules him out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15 in Galle. Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has tipped rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar as a potential 'X-Factor' for India, citing his raw pace, bounce, and aggressive approach that unsettled Test-squad batters in a warm-up match. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has warned that heat and humidity in Sri Lanka will cause the Kookaburra ball to lose hardness after 25-30 overs, demanding short, intense spells from the seamers. India could field three left-arm spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manav Suthar, in Galle. The choice for the second seamer alongside Siraj is between Brar and Prasidh Krishna, both with limited Test experience. ## Coverage - rediff.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - cricinfo.com Tags: Farveez Maharoof, Gurnoor Brar, India cricket, Jasprit Bumrah, Sri Lanka Tests, Test debut Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/maharoof-backs-gurnoor-brar-as-indias-x-factor-in-sri-lanka-tests/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/maharoof-backs-gurnoor-brar-as-indias-x-factor-in-sri-lanka-tests/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.