Now Reading: Maharoof backs Gurnoor Brar as India’s X-factor in Sri Lanka Tests
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Maharoof backs Gurnoor Brar as India’s X-factor in Sri Lanka Tests
Former Sri Lanka allrounder Farveez Maharoof has tipped rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar as a potential X-factor for India in the two-Test series starting in Galle on Saturday, especially with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable.…
The Story in Brief
Former Sri Lanka allrounder Farveez Maharoof has tipped rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar as a potential X-factor for India in the two-Test series starting in Galle on Saturday, especially with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable. Maharoof said he would be tempted to hand Brar his Test debut because of his raw pace, bounce, and aggressive approach, which unsettled Test-squad batters in a warm-up match. Mohammed Siraj is likely to lead the attack, but Maharoof noted a significant drop in wicket-taking ability without Bumrah. Brar, 26, has only a handful of first-class matches but impressed with a 10-wicket haul for India A in Sri Lanka last month. Maharoof also predicted a 1-1 draw, highlighting the challenge Indian batters will face against Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
The Indian Opinion
The talk of an 'X-factor' debutant is tempting, but Brar has only a handful of first-class matches. India's real worry is replacing Bumrah's reverse-swing and wicket-taking ability. Siraj alone cannot fill that gap. The series will test whether raw pace can unsettle Sri Lankan batters on a Galle pitch that traditionally favours spinners. Will Brar's aggression translate into wickets, or will the hype outrun his actual readiness?
Source: rediff.com
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