Ahead of the second Test match between India and England, an unusual yet noteworthy sight caught everyone’s attention during Team India’s practice session. Uncapped spinner Harpreet Brar, known for his performances in the IPL, was seen practicing in the nets with the national team—even though he has not been officially selected in the squad. The reason behind his unexpected appearance? A personal invitation from Indian captain Shubman Gill.
Harpreet, who is currently in the United Kingdom with his family, revealed that he was contacted directly by Gill. Brar’s wife resides in Sweden, and their home is just an hour and a half away from Birmingham, making it convenient for him to join. Upon receiving Gill’s message, Harpreet readily agreed to participate. The BCCI also confirmed his presence by sharing a video of him bowling in the nets on their official social media platforms.
This move has sparked discussions about fresh faces potentially being considered for future selection, especially in light of India's recent performance. India lost the first Test at Headingley, where they had set a target of 371 runs for England. However, England chased it down with five wickets in hand. The Indian team’s fielding was a major concern, with as many as eight catches dropped across both innings.
While Jasprit Bumrah impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, he received little support in the second. As the team gears up for the second Test, they face pressure to correct their mistakes and bounce back to level the series. The inclusion of players like Harpreet Brar, even in an unofficial capacity, hints at Team India exploring new options and building bench strength.