Rohit, Kohli helped me during practice sessions, says Gurnoor Brar
What's the story
Indian fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has revealed that he sought advice from veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during a match simulation session in New Zealand. The session was held ahead of the ongoing ODI series. Brar credited the two former captains for helping him perfect his lines and lengths, which have been instrumental in his performance on this tour.
Match highlights
Brar's match-winning spells in ODIs
Brar, who is known for his height and ability to generate steep bounce, has been a key player in the bowling line-up.
He was named Player of the Match for his career-best figures of 4-30 as India bowled out New Zealand for 134 and won the second ODI by four runs (DLS method) at Hnry Stadium on Saturday.
He had also claimed 3-44 in the opening game at Eden Park in Auckland.
Training philosophy
Brar emphasizes the importance of hard work
Brar emphasized the importance of hard work in practice sessions.
"I was not taking anything lightly in my mind - like that I got it and I will do wonders or something will happen," said Brar during a post-match press conference.
He also revealed that during his practice sessions with Rohit and Kohli, he asked them about the lengths and lines he should bowl on these pitches.
Words
'I had open nets with Virat and Rohit bhai'
"You have to work a lot during practice. So when I bowled to Virat bhai and Rohit bhai a few days ago, we had a open-net-type match simulation. I was picking their brains on the experience they have in New Zealand, the lengths and lines I should bowl, etc and tried to do that at practice sessions which helped me a lot," said Brar.
"Same thing with Shubman. I keep asking him which areas would make it difficult for batters and I tried to do that," he added.
Team backing
Support from the Indian team
Brar praised the Indian dressing room for giving bowlers the freedom to express themselves, even on unhelpful surfaces back home.
He said, "Backing is the most important thing for every player. Every player is getting it here."
He also spoke about how, despite flat tracks in India, they were still expected to bowl well and hit the right lengths for good results.
Captain's influence
Praise for captain Gill
Brar also spoke highly of skipper Gill, saying he values effort and intent over numbers.
He said, "He doesn't judge anyone by performance or anything like that and how much effort is being put and in which direction is the training taking place and in what direction is the player trying to improve - that matters here."
He added that Gill has a strong desire to improve himself for the team and often discusses ways to do better.
Coaching guidance
Morne Morkel's guidance has been invaluable, says Brar
Brar revealed that bowling coach Morne Morkel has been closely mentoring him, given their similar build and style of bowling.
He said, "Morne Morkel teaches us a lot. Obviously my height and similar kind of style of bowling, he tells us a lot about which length will suit us more on which wicket."
Despite the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup being on the horizon, Brar said his focus remains on one game at a time.