'I want to perform, succeed, and stay' - Gurnoor Brar has just started with India debut

Gurnoor Brar saw his India dream realise when he made his international debut during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamsala. He left everyone impressed with his raw pace and took three crucial wickets in his brilliant spell of 3-27 in five overs in his first-ever outing on the biggest stage, bowling alongside an inexperienced attack.

For Brar, none of this has come easy, and he feels that he is blessed to have been picked in the Indian squad. But now that he is in the team, he knows that he has a point

to prove. However, carrying the burden of expectations is an added pressure that he does not want to enter the field with. As a result, he tries to focus on keeping a positive mindset and giving his level best.

"Every cricketer dreams of playing for India. I feel truly blessed to have been selected. When I started my career, my only goal was to get here. Now that I am here, my mindset hasn't changed. I don't just want to play; I want to perform, succeed, and stay at this level. I want to prove that I belong in international cricket. That mindset will never change – whether it's my first game or my 100th. When I wear the Indian jersey, I want to give everything for it"

I don't want to carry unnecessary pressure about what might happen or how I will perform. Of course, nervousness and pressure will always be there. But I choose to see it as a proud moment. Out of millions of people in this country, I have been given this chance. That is a huge honour. I feel blessed, and now I must deliver. With that positive mindset, I will go out and give my absolute best every time," Brar told JioStar.

Furthermore, the youngster also reflected on the moment he realised that he had received his maiden call-up to play for the Indian team. He said that he had been relaxing with a siesta following an intense training session when his friend called him to break the news. Later, his parents also came to know and got emotional. 

"Before every practice session, I take a 45-minute nap. It's my routine. On the day of the squad announcement, I was doing the same, just resting at home. While I was sleeping, my friend called and told me that I had been selected. I was expecting to make Test squad only, but then I found out I was also in the ODI squad.

That was unexpected. I don't have enough words to describe that feeling. It was overwhelming. My parents called immediately. They were emotional. When I reached the ground for practice, the entire Punjab team congratulated me. The coaches shook my hand. It was a special moment. That day felt different as all the hard work had finally paid off."