Aakash Chopra has urged the Indian team management to give Gurnoor Brar plenty of opportunities across formats as they begin planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The former India batter believes the young pacer should be tested in different conditions rather than being restricted to Test cricket.
Gurnoor, who made his India debut a few months ago, has quickly emerged as an exciting pace prospect from Punjab. The 6-foot-5 bowler can comfortably operate around the 145 kmph mark and also has the ability to extract considerable bounce. Although he made his first-class debut in 2022, his breakthrough season came in 2024-25, when he picked up 26 wickets from seven matches. His most impressive figures came against Bihar, where he claimed five wickets for 14 runs.
The fast bowler has already played six ODIs for India, taking 11 wickets in the process. He was also included in the Test squads for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka series but did not get a chance to make his debut in the format.
Chopra was responding to a fan who asked whether the BCCI should keep Gurnoor focused on red-ball cricket or accelerate his development across formats. The former India batter acknowledged the argument for concentrating on Test cricket but pointed out that India’s Test schedule does not offer regular opportunities.
He also stressed that the ODI World Cup is getting closer and that India’s campaign could require bowlers capable of producing pace and bounce in South African conditions. For that reason, Chopra believes Gurnoor should be given chances in both ODIs and T20Is, along with exposure to a variety of conditions and situations.
According to Chopra, these opportunities would serve as regular tests for the young pacer and help the team assess how he handles different challenges. With several months still available before the World Cup, the former batter feels India has enough time to develop Gurnoor and make sure he is ready for the major tournament.
