Gurnoor Brar Shines as India Clinches ODI Series Against Afghanistan

In a thrilling second ODI, India triumphed over Afghanistan by 170 runs, thanks to standout performances from Gurnoor Brar, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan. Brar's exceptional bowling, with back-to-back three-wicket hauls, caught the attention of former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who praised his technique and the team's management for their faith in him. As India secures the series 2-0, all eyes are on the upcoming third ODI, where strategic decisions and player performances will be crucial. Discover more about this exciting match and what lies ahead for the Indian cricket team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 23:57 IST

Brar's Stellar Performance

In Lucknow, following India's commanding victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised young pacer Gurnoor Brar for his remarkable back-to-back three-wicket hauls. Gavaskar highlighted Brar's effective run-up and rhythm, which enabled him to generate bounce and make the ball 'climb'.

Team India's Dominance

Brar's impressive display, along with centuries from captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, led India to a significant 170-run victory, securing the series 2-0. Standing at six feet four inches, Brar was selected for his ability to produce extra bounce and speed, and he has delivered with six wickets across two matches at an average of 14.50.

Gavaskar's Insights

During a segment on JioStar 'Cricket Live', Gavaskar commended the team management for their faith in Brar, despite his modest domestic statistics. He remarked, 'His run-up and rhythm are impressive, and he consistently hits the deck, making the ball climb. The wicket of Gurbaz was particularly noteworthy due to the accuracy of his bouncer.'

Captaincy and Performance

Gavaskar also discussed Shubman Gill's ability to maintain his performance as a captain, noting that he scored his first century in this role. He emphasized that a captain's confidence often correlates with their personal performance, which can influence strategic decisions during matches.

Looking Ahead

As the third ODI approaches, Gavaskar anticipates that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting. He pointed out that the spin department needs to improve, with Kuldeep Yadav and Harsh Dubey needing to deliver better results in upcoming matches.

Match Summary

In the match, Afghanistan chose to field first. However, centuries from Gill (154 runs off 110 balls) and Kishan (125 runs off 79 balls) propelled India to 402 all out in 49.5 overs. Afghanistan's top bowlers were Nangeyaliya Kharoti (4/76) and Rashid Khan (3/48). In response, Afghanistan managed 232 runs, with Rahmat Shah scoring 79 runs off 89 balls, but fell short as Brar (3/60), Arshdeep Singh (3/45), and debutant Prince Yadav (2/56) led the Indian bowling attack.