Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that right-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar showcased a lot of promise in his first-ever overseas outing, and justified Team India's faith in him leading up to the ODI World Cup 2027. The bowler returned impressive figures of 2-61, including the key wickets of England's openers, during the six-wicket win in the first ODI at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Tuesday, July 14.

Gurnoor Brar was among the three frontline bowlers Team India named in their playing XI for the series opener, along with the returning Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. The newcomer, brought into the attack in the eighth over, conceded 17 runs off his first over, including two sixes after a brief skirmish with Ben Duckett.

The pacer had the final laugh as he dismissed both Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett by hitting the deck hard and having them caught in the deep. His wicket tally now reads nine wickets after just four appearances, averaging just 21.88.

Mohammad Kaif noted that Brar's profile and ability made the team fast-track him, a decision that has worked wonders so far as India continue to build their fast bowling pool for the ODI World Cup 2027.

Gurnoor Brar has made a strong case in his early days in international cricket. Ahead of the England tour, he had featured in the second unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A, where he picked up a ten-wicket haul to confirm the visitors' series win.

The former batter added that Gurnoor Brar is being considered as a long-term prospect and a valuable addition to the bowling unit that is slowly inching towards a transition.

Team India, with their sixth consecutive win over England in ODIs, will look to seal the series as well in the second match of the series at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16.

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