Gurnoor Brar Joins North Zone for Duleep Trophy Semi-Finals

Gurnoor has joined the squad following India’s 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka earlier this week.

Selectors are eager to integrate Gurnoor into the playing XI, providing him with valuable red-ball experience before India’s upcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand in November.

Though yet to debut in Test cricket, Gurnoor has featured in India’s last two Test squads and has been part of the BCCI’s targeted player pool for over a year. During India A’s shadow tour of Sri Lanka in July, he claimed 10 wickets for 145 in the second unofficial match. Across 19 first-class outings, he has taken 62 wickets at an average of 25.24.

The 23-year-old also made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in June and featured in all three ODIs during India’s recent tour of England, taking 11 wickets at an average of 32.81 across six appearances.

Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is weighing a short-term stint in the English county circuit, pending visa approval. Selectors are keen for Nabi to gain match time in seamer-friendly conditions rather than feature in the Duleep Trophy at this stage.

In a historic Ranji Trophy season for Jammu & Kashmir in 2025-26, Nabi claimed 60 wickets at an exceptional average of 12.56. He missed out on playing time during the Sri Lanka Test tour but remains in contention for the New Zealand assignment, particularly given his ability to swing the new ball.

If the county move falls through, Nabi is expected to feature in the first of India A’s two matches against Australia in Puducherry starting September 22, before joining the Jammu & Kashmir squad for the Irani Cup clash against Rest of India, scheduled October 1–5 in Srinagar.

The second India A contest against Australia overlaps with the Irani Cup, potentially forcing selectors to balance commitments across both squads. A fixture change at this stage is virtually ruled out.

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