Harpreet Brar Aims for IPL Glory and India Selection
Preparing for the Next IPL Season
Harpreet Brar, a left-arm spinner for Punjab Kings, is already setting his sights on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise's early off-season camp is allowing him to reflect on the previous season's shortcomings and strategize for a stronger title bid.
Emphasizing Key Moments
During a recent five-day off-season camp at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, Brar emphasized the importance of capitalizing on critical moments that slipped away last season. He stated, "Every season feels similar. Sometimes our batting is strong, but bowling mishaps lead to losses. Our goal is to approach each match with focus. Just as we achieved seven consecutive wins last season, we aim for eight or nine in the upcoming season. It's about excelling in those pivotal moments. We will address these aspects in this camp and future ones. Every team strives for victory, and while I won't make specific predictions, our focus will be on winning the title."
Reflecting on Past Challenges
Brar, who participated in two matches last season, expressed that the disappointment of missing playoffs after a strong start is still fresh. He noted, "The atmosphere was understandably somber because every team aims to win. Starting with seven wins out of the first eight matches, including one rain-affected game where we were performing well, makes it tough to accept not qualifying."
"As professional athletes, we are committed to learning from our mistakes. We will focus on improving those areas to avoid repeating them in the future. As a cricketer, it's essential to minimize errors daily to enhance your performance," Brar added.
Advantage of Early Training Camp
The early camp, which commenced on August 11 and will conclude on August 15, marks the first of several planned off-season programs by Punjab Kings. Brar mentioned, "Having played in the IPL for eight years, I've never experienced a camp this early. It's beneficial as we can start preparing for the next season right away."
Currently, six players, including Brar, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Pyla Avinash, Praveen Dubey, and Nehal Wadhera, are participating in the camp, working closely with the coaching staff led by Trevor Gonsalves.
Aiming for National Team Selection
While Brar's immediate focus is on the IPL, he is also eager to establish himself as a regular player in red-ball cricket. He believes his recent domestic performances have bolstered his chances. The 30-year-old made his first-class and Ranji Trophy debut for Punjab in November 2025, taking six wickets in his first match and accumulating 23 wickets in just four matches during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, including two five-wicket hauls.
Brar expressed his desire to play all formats of cricket, stating, "I want to participate in both white-ball and red-ball formats. I know I am among the top left-arm spinners, which I have demonstrated. My goal is to don the India jersey as soon as possible."
"I have performed well so far and will strive to take as many wickets as possible in the upcoming domestic season while also contributing with the bat. Factors like luck and pitch conditions are beyond our control, but I will do my utmost to ensure a successful season," Brar concluded. He has been a valuable lower-order batter for Punjab alongside his left-arm orthodox bowling, and he believes excelling in both areas will be crucial as he aims for national selection. With the domestic season on the horizon, Brar is poised to build on his successful Ranji campaign while continuing his preparations with Punjab Kings during the extended IPL off-season.