IND vs AFG 2026: ‘It’s a special feeling’ – Gurnoor Brar reflects on his terrific spell in Dharamsala

Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar was more excited than nervous ahead of his ODI debut against Afghanistan, and his first wicket helped him settle quickly as he returned impressive figures of 3/27 in India’s seven-wicket victory in the opening ODI.

The rain-affected contest was reduced to 25 overs per side, with Shubman Gill producing a brilliant innings to guide India to victory. Brar earned his maiden ODI call-up on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket, where he regularly impressed with speeds exceeding 145 km/h.

“Obviously, I wouldn’t say there was pressure but there was excitement…like, I have to do well for India, I have to bowl well. Obviously, everyone wants to give their best here and I was doing the same. I just had to give my best and with God’s grace it went well,” Brar said in a video shared by the BCCI.

Gill, who has closely followed Brar’s journey, asked the debutant about his emotions after receiving his first India cap and the feeling of taking his maiden international wicket.

“It’s a special feeling, like all the hard work has finally paid off, all the grind like I did in this heat…yeah it’s a special moment. (The first wicket) yeah, it’s like a milestone that you just have to cross. When that first wicket happened suddenly it brought a sense of relief like ‘now there’s no tension’,” said Gill.

The Indian captain then cheekily asked Brar whether he was worried that his first wicket, a skier offered by Ibrahim Zadran, might be dropped, given it was a slightly tricky chance. Brar responded with confidence, saying that since Gill was under it, there was never any concern about the catch being put down.

Chasing the target, Gill played the anchor’s role to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 84 on a slightly sticky surface as India reached the target in 22.5 overs. Reflecting on his innings, the right-handed batter said his primary objective was to stay till the end and ensure India crossed the finish line comfortably.