Wellington, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has revealed that he sought advice from senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during a match-simulation session in New Zealand ahead of the ongoing ODI series, crediting the two former captains with helping him fine-tune his bowling lines and lengths.
Brar, regarded as an X-factor in India’s bowling attack because of his height and ability to generate steep bounce, was named Player of the Match after taking career-best figures of 4-30 in the second ODI. India bowled out New Zealand for 134 and won the match by four runs under the DLS method at the Henry Stadium. Brar had also taken 3-44 in the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Brar said he had used the practice session to seek guidance from the experienced batters about the most effective lines and lengths in New Zealand conditions.
“So when I bowled to Virat and Rohit 2-3 days ago, we got an open facility here and had a match simulation type. So I was asking them, ‘Like you have so much experience here. On which lengths and which line can I bowl.’ So those were the practice sessions which he helped me a lot. The same thing keeps happening with Shubman (Gill, current captain) – like as a batsman, what do you think will happen if I bowl here and it will be more difficult to face. So that’s what I try to do,” Brar said.
He also credited the Indian dressing room for giving bowlers the confidence to express themselves freely, including on unhelpful pitches in India.
“Backing is the most important thing for every player. Every player is getting it here. There is a very good atmosphere,” he said.
Brar added that the team management had encouraged bowlers to focus on hitting the right lengths on flat Indian tracks and to continue backing their strengths in New Zealand.
“Even after coming to New Zealand, they said the same thing – that you back your strength and only you have to bowl that ball – whether it goes for a six or a four, it doesn’t matter to me. You just have to bowl openly and that’s what I’m doing and the results are coming,” he added.
The pacer also praised captain Shubman Gill, saying he values a player’s effort, training and intent to improve rather than judging them solely on performance.
Brar said Gill himself remained keen to improve his plans and contribute more to the team, regularly discussing ways to get better with the players.
Looking ahead, Brar credited bowling coach Morne Morkel with helping him understand the lengths suited to his height and bowling style. While the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup remains the ultimate team goal, he said his personal focus was on improving from one match to the next.
“So that is the back of the mind. But personally, I think about how I can become better in the next game. Like if I have made a mistake, how can I minimize it if we go to Hamilton and do it better. So in my mind, I go match by match and the ultimate goal is that. So I have kept that in mind,” he said.
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