Ahead of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Indian captain Shubman Gill extended a warm invitation to Punjab Kings’ left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar to join the team’s practice session. Brar, who impressed with his economical spells in IPL 2025, was in the UK visiting his wife’s family in Swindon when he got a text from Gill, calling him to Birmingham.
“My wife is from Swindon, which is just an hour or so from Birmingham. Shubman messaged me yesterday and I thought why not head over and practice with the boys. It feels special to be among your own in a foreign land,” Harpreeet Brar shared in a BCCI video.
India is looking to bounce back after their five-wicket defeat at Headingley, where England chased down a mammoth 371-run target. With the bowling unit under scrutiny, especially after failing to break crucial partnerships, Gill and the team management have looked to bring in fresh ideas and energy into the camp. Brar, seen wearing non-official training gear, bowled to Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and other Indian batters.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant Teases Ravindra Jadeja About Retirement During T20 WC Anniversary
Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was part of the practice session, also expressed joy at having Brar around. “When you see familiar faces in a foreign country, it lifts your mood. You feel you’re with family,” Arshdeep Singh said.
View this post on Instagram
Joining Brar was Chandigarh’s domestic pacer Jagjit Singh Sandhu, who also trained as a guest net bowler. Jagjit spoke about his long association with many in the Indian squad, recalling memories of playing age-group cricket alongside Gill, Pant, Washington Sundar, and mentoring a young Arshdeep Singh.
“Rishabh and I played Under-19 Zone One Day together. When I was finishing my Under-19 stint, Shubman was just starting. I’ve played with Akash Deep in the Delhi Cup, and with Washington in zonal tournaments. Arshdeep was 16 when I was 19. I’d advise him on run-ups, on seam position… even today he asks me which ball to bowl to which batter,” Jagjit said.
ALSO READ: “I think he did a pretty good job” – Ravi Shastri backs Shubman Gill as India Test captain
Arshdeep, beaming, acknowledged Jagjit’s influence. “I used to watch him closely when I was young. Everyone calls him ‘Punjabi’. Back then, he was the senior, I was the under-16 kid. I learned so much from him, just watching and asking questions. Today he was reminding me of those days,” Arshdeep Singh added.
With practice underway and memories shared, the Indian camp seems focused on regrouping and reigniting their campaign as they prepare to level the series at Edgbaston, beginning July 2.
