India handed international debuts to Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey in the first ODI against Afghanistan on June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The match, reduced to 25 overs per side due to rain, saw captain Shubman Gill win the toss and opt to bowl first as India began the three-match series.
Ahead of the game, both players were presented with their maiden caps in a special team huddle. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul handed the cap to Harsh Dubey, while Gill presented Gurnoor Brar with his debut cap. The moment marked a significant milestone for the two rising domestic performers.
Gurnoor Brar, a tall right-arm pacer from Punjab, has impressed with his pace and bounce in India A and domestic cricket. Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spinner from Vidarbha,
earned recognition after a standout Ranji Trophy season where he picked up 69 wickets.
The inclusion of the duo reflects India's focus on testing new talent and building squad depth ahead of upcoming international assignments. With the ODI World Cup cycle in mind, the series provides an opportunity for emerging players to stake their claim at the highest level.
Dream Debut For Gurnoor Brar
Gurnoor Brar made an immediate impact on his ODI debut, striking in his very first over against Afghanistan on June 13, 2026, in Dharamshala. The tall right-arm pacer dismissed opener Ibrahim Zadran with the fifth ball of his spell, giving India an early breakthrough in the rain-shortened 25-over contest.
Bowling with pace and control, Brar kept things tight from the start. After conceding just two singles in his first four deliveries, he produced a teasing length ball that moved away late. Zadran attempted a drive but only managed a leading edge, which was safely caught by captain Shubman Gill at mid-off.
Brar finished his opening over with impressive figures of 1 for 2, announcing his arrival on the international stage in style. The 6'5" pacer became the 173rd Indian to take an ODI wicket, underlining India's successful push to introduce fresh talent.
