New Faces in Indian Cricket: Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar Earn National Call-Up

Exciting New Additions to the Indian Cricket Team

The selectors for the Indian cricket team have made notable choices by including the impressive pace of Gurnoor Brar from Punjab and the classical left-arm spin of Manav Suthar from Rajasthan in the squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, set to commence on June 6.

Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches, Brar has also secured a position in the ODI lineup for the three-match series against the same team starting June 14. Meanwhile, Delhi's Prince Yadav has been selected for the ODI squad following his standout performances in the IPL.

In the spin department, Harsh Dubey joins Suthar, replacing the dropped Axar Patel and the rested veteran Ravindra Jadeja.

Reflecting on their journey to the national team.

Gurnoor Brar: A Rising Star

This marks Brar's first selection for India, and he has been included in both formats. The 25-year-old has frequently participated in training sessions as a net bowler, assisting the team management in preparing for challenging conditions.

Known for his ability to hit the deck hard, Brar has the backing of his Punjab teammate and Indian captain Shubman Gill, who has included him in the Gujarat Titans IPL franchise. Although he has been part of the team since 2025, he is yet to make his debut. India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has praised Brar for his knack for generating extra bounce, a skill reminiscent of his own playing days.

In the one-off Test, India is likely to field Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, which means Brar, a fan of Dale Steyn, may spend more time honing his skills in the nets.

Brar boasts an impressive record of 52 wickets in 18 first-class matches, averaging 27.30.

Prince Yadav: The Emerging Talent

The seamer from Delhi, who plays for the Lucknow Super Giants, has caught attention with his performances in the ongoing IPL. Yadav is known for his ability to swing the ball at a good pace, complemented by a reliable yorker and deliveries that skid off the pitch.

Currently, he is included only in the ODI squad, but he could potentially be part of the Indian red-ball plans, especially with a tour to New Zealand on the horizon later this year.

Prince is the son of Ram Niwas Yadav, an ASI with the Railway Protection Force in Najafgarh. He recently made the bold decision to forgo the Delhi Police exam to pursue his cricketing dreams, and this national call-up validates that choice.

Manav Suthar: The Classical Spinner

At 23, Suthar from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has been striving for a spot in the Test team for several years. A regular performer at the India A level, he has finally received his chance with Jadeja resting and Axar Patel out of the picture.

Suthar has an impressive tally of 129 wickets in 29 matches, including three ten-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.

With Jadeja's future uncertain and Axar's flatter trajectory, selectors have opted for Suthar's classical left-arm spin, which features a more traditional flight and a smooth bowling action.

With Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar likely to be included in the playing XI for the Test, Suthar may compete with Harsh Dubey from Vidarbha for the third spin position.

Harsh Dubey: Consistent Performer

Similar to Suthar, Dubey has been on the cusp of national selection due to his consistent performances in red-ball cricket. His remarkable record of 69 wickets and 476 runs for Vidarbha during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season has brought him into the spotlight.

While he may not flight the ball as much as Suthar, Dubey's effectiveness is evident in his statistics, with 133 wickets in 27 first-class matches, including nine five-wicket hauls.

Last year, he was called up as a replacement player for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, where he achieved his dream by dismissing superstar Virat Kohli.

“He gives it a proper tweak that is the start. When you do that, you get drift, and more importantly it goes off the surface that much quicker,” praised spin legend Anil Kumble, highlighting Dubey's skill, who also has nine first-class fifties to his credit.