Gurnoor Brar the X-factor in India’s bowling cartel

Gurnoor Brar has been on fire in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand in Hamilton, The Hindu reported on November 10, 2026. The feature ran under the headline "Gurnoor Brar — the X-factor in India’s bowling cartel".

The article outlines the appeal of a tearaway pace bowler: a long, relentless run-up, an explosive build-up of momentum and an intent to attack the bowling crease, occasionally with a leap before delivery. It describes the final action as the ball being propelled at high speed through a combination of shoulder, wrist and snappy fingers. For long periods India have yearned for a speed merchant who can unsettle opposition batting line-ups.

As historical context, the piece cites Mohammad Nissar as an example of early Indian pace, calling him "frightfully pacy and deadly accurate." It notes Nissar played in India’s first Test against England at Lord's in June 1932.

At that Lord's match Nissar removed openers Percy Holmes and Herbert Sutcliffe, sending their stumps flying for six and three respectively and reducing the hosts to 11 for two. The article records that just 10 days previously Holmes and Sutcliffe had put on a world record 555 for Yorkshire against Essex in the English County Championship.

Despite that start, England recovered to post a 158-run victory in the Test, and Nissar alongside his new-ball partner Amar Singh are described as having given the home side a proper scare. The narrative uses that episode to illustrate the kind of immediate impact a fast bowler can have on a match.

The Hindu published the piece on November 10, 2026 at 07:30 am IST from Hamilton. Photo Credit: CREIMAS/BCCI.