{
  "id": 360936,
  "title": "Zaheer Khan picks India’s most promising pacer: ‘Good that he’s fast-tracked’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/zaheer-khan-picks-indias-most-promising-pacer-good-that-hes-fast",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T08:51:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/zaheer-khan-india-most-promising-pacer-gurnoor-brar-10824892/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's cricket management has identified Gurnoor Brar as the most promising pace prospect among a young crop of fast bowlers, according to the veteran pacer Zaheer Khan. Brar, standing at 6-foot-5 inches tall, has been given priority despite having limited experience in both First-Class cricket and the IPL. The 26-year-old made his ODI debut against Afghanistan and has taken 11 wickets in six matches, including a 10-wicket haul in India A's tour of Sri Lanka. Khan praised Brar's potential, stating, \"Good that he has been fast-tracked. Even when I spent some time with him, I could see exciting potential in him.\" Brar is currently part of India's practice game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI and has already taken three wickets across two innings. His inclusion in the Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, commencing on August 15, is a testament to his potential, as Jasprit Bumrah is sidelined with an injury. Other pace options for the series include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Auqib Nabi.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Gurnoor Brar identified as India's top pace prospect by Zaheer Khan.",
    "26-year-old Brar made ODI debut against Afghanistan, took 11 wickets in 6 matches.",
    "Brar fast-tracked for Test squad despite limited experience, includes in Sri Lanka series."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Gurnoor Brar's rapid promotion to India's Test squad signals a vote of confidence in his abilities, suggesting he may become a key component of the team's pace attack.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}