As India gear up for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston, an unexpected face was spotted in the nets—Punjab Kings’ left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar. While not part of the main squad, Brar was roped in for practice sessions after receiving a personal text message from skipper Shubman Gill.
In the lead-up to the match, the Indian camp intensified training, and the addition of Brar added variety and freshness to the setup.
A Text That Changed His Week
Speaking to the media, Harpreet Brar revealed how it all happened.
“I got a message from Shubman Bhai to join the team’s practice sessions. I was in England already with my wife, who’s from Swindon—it’s about an hour and a half from Birmingham,” he said.
His familiarity with Indian players, particularly those from the IPL circuit, made his inclusion seamless.
The Context: Why India Needed Brar
Here’s why Harpreet Brar’s inclusion in the India vs England 2nd Test practice makes sense:
- India struggled against spin in the first Test, especially under pressure.
- England have spin options like Jack Leach and Joe Root, who can exploit footmarks on Day 4 and 5 pitches.
- Brar offers a net practice challenge similar to what England may throw at India in the actual match.
Harpreet’s Growing Presence
While Brar hasn’t yet made his Test debut, he’s no stranger to big stages. Known for dismissing Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell in the same over during IPL 2021, he has continued to impress with his control and temperament.
His presence in the Indian setup—even unofficially—could signal more than just a practice stint. With India trying out fresh faces in this transitional phase, Harpreet Brar’s Test dreams might be inching closer.
Conclusion: A Net Session with Bigger Implications?
The Harpreet Brar practice session India vs England 2nd Test story may seem minor now, but it underlines how India are tapping into familiar and trusted options in their effort to bounce back in the series. Whether or not Brar features in the playing XI anytime soon, he’s clearly on the radar—and that text from Gill could be the start of something bigger.
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