Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes India should avoid rushing young pacer Gurnoor Brar into T20I cricket, insisting the 26-year-old is better suited to the longer white-ball format and Test cricket. Jaffer’s comments came after India’s four-wicket defeat to England in the second ODI at Cardiff, which levelled the three-match series at 1-1. Brar has emerged as one of India’s biggest positives during the series. The right-arm seamer has claimed four wickets across the first two ODIs and now boasts an impressive tally of 11 wickets from just five matches.

His ability to generate bounce, maintain disciplined lengths, and trouble batters with the new ball has earned praise from several former cricketers. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer Official, the former India batter said Brar possesses the qualities needed to succeed in ODIs and Test cricket, where bowlers are rewarded for consistency and patience. However, he cautioned against exposing the youngster too early to T20Is, where batters are more aggressive, and the margin for error is minimal.

“I’ve said this before—Gurnoor Brar looks like an excellent option for Tests and ODIs. I don’t think India should rush him into T20 cricket. These formats suit his style because he can bowl at his natural pace and consistently hit the right areas. In T20s, batters are likely to attack him from the outset, so I believe he should primarily be developed for ODIs and Test cricket,” Wasim Jaffer said.

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Wasim Jaffer also praised Jasprit Bumrah’s return to form after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign. The pace spearhead has looked far sharper during the England series, picking up two wickets while consistently troubling England’s top order with his pace and accuracy.

According to Jaffer, the break Bumrah received after the IPL has made a significant difference. He felt the Indian fast bowler looked physically and mentally drained during the tournament, but now appears refreshed and much closer to his best.

“The break has definitely helped Bumrah. During the IPL, he looked fatigued and didn’t seem to have his usual rhythm or X-factor. What we’re seeing now is the Jasprit Bumrah everyone knows—sharp, energetic, and consistently challenging batters,” he added.

Jaffer also questioned India’s decision to keep Kuldeep Yadav out of the playing XI despite the wrist-spinner’s outstanding ODI record. He argued that India lacked a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs during the Cardiff defeat. The former opener stressed that wrist-spinners offer a different attacking dimension, especially on surfaces where partnerships need to be broken.

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Relying solely on finger spinners, he warned, could leave India short of breakthroughs against quality batting line-ups. With the series now tied, Jaffer believes India should seriously consider bringing Kuldeep back for the decider at Lord’s. His variations and proven ability to dismiss set batters could provide the cutting edge India missed in Cardiff as they look to clinch the ODI series against England.