India’s rookie fast bowler Gurnoor Brar admitted Guwahati and Lord’s matches were demotivating after the second ODI against New Zealand. Brar bagged expensive figures of 2-96 in the second ODI against the West Indies at Guwahati as the visitors posted 405 runs on the board.
The lanky seamer went wicketless in the third ODI against England at Lord’s and conceded 97 runs in his 10 overs as the hosts posted 387 runs. However, Brar has been able to make the most of the seamer-friendly conditions in the first two ODIs against New Zealand.
The lanky pacer returned with career-best ODI figures of 4-30 in his quota of 10 overs as he played a key role in skittling out New Zealand at 134 in the second game of the series. Brar accounted for Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner.
Brar had also scalped three wickets in the series opener at Eden Park, Auckland.
Brar revealed how veteran batters like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as well as skipper Shubman Gill helped him stay in the positive mindset.
Gurnoor Brar said in the post-match press conference, “Matches in Guwahati and Lord’s were demotivating, but it was important to learn from those experiences. I had some open net sessions with Virat and Rohit bhai, and they gave me a lot of inputs about my bowling. Shubman Gill also guided me.”
Brar said he wanted to bowl fuller and used the short ball as a surprise against the Kiwis.
“My plan was simple – to hit my lengths and back my skills. Every day is a learning opportunity, and I want to keep improving and adapting. I was looking to bowl fuller initially and then use the bouncer at the right moment.”
The third ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Tuesday.
