How Did a Text from Gill Motivate Brar to Join India’s Practice Sessions in Birmingham?
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Synopsis
Discover how Harpreet Brar's journey to India's practice sessions in Birmingham was inspired by a simple text from captain Shubman Gill. This unique story delves into the bonds of friendship among cricketers, their training dynamics, and the nostalgia of past encounters on foreign soil.
Key Takeaways
- Harpreet Brar was inspired to join India's practice sessions by a text from Shubman Gill.
- The Indian team is focused on bouncing back after a loss in the first Test.
- Reconnecting with friends abroad enhances team spirit.
- Jagjit Singh Sandhu also participated in the training sessions.
- Familiar faces in foreign lands create a supportive atmosphere.
Birmingham, June 29 (NationPress) Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, recently seen bowling during India's practice sessions before the second Test against England, disclosed that a text from captain Shubman Gill encouraged him to join the two-day training session. India is determined to recover in the second Test at Edgbaston, commencing on July 2, after a five-wicket loss in the series opener in Leeds.
“I met friends while abroad. My wife hails from Swindon, which is just a short drive—about an hour and a half—from Birmingham,” he shared.
“I was conversing with Shubman yesterday when he sent me a message. I thought, why not go and practice in Birmingham? It feels amazing; it’s like we’ve come together as a family,” Brar mentioned in a video posted on bcci.tv on Sunday. He previously played for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025.
Alongside him, the touring Indian team also had the support of Chandigarh pacer Jagjit Singh Sandhu, who is currently in Birmingham due to cricket obligations. “It felt like no time had passed since I last saw them. They were surprised to see me. I play first-class cricket for Chandigarh. Once I heard about this opportunity, I joined the Indian team for their nets session,” he expressed.
Interestingly, Jagjit is well-acquainted with many members of the Indian squad, particularly young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. “I played with Rishabh Pant during the U19 zonal competition. Shubman Gill was in his first year in the U19 zone while I was in my last,” he recounted.
“I also played alongside Akash Deep in the Duleep Trophy and with Washington Sundar in the U19 zone, where he was in the South Zone while I was in the North Zone. Arshdeep is my junior. When I was in the U19 zone, he was in the U16 zone.”
“When Arshdeep was in U16, I advised him on bowling techniques. He still seeks my advice on which deliveries to use and how to swing the ball. I feel immense pride watching Arshdeep succeed in his career now,” he added.
Reflecting on reuniting with friends overseas, Arshdeep shared, “Seeing familiar faces in a foreign country is a joy. I used to look up to Jagjit a lot when I was younger. He played in the U19 zone while I was in U16.”
“I followed his lead closely and learned significantly from him. He often reminisces about the early days when I was new to the setup. I hope to create more memories like these for the future,” he concluded.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of camaraderie in sports. Harpreet Brar's story illustrates how connections transcend distances, highlighting the unity within the Indian cricket team. As they prepare for the second Test, this sense of togetherness is crucial for their success.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Harpreet Brar?
Harpreet Brar is a left-arm spinner who recently participated in India's practice sessions ahead of their Test match against England.
What motivated Brar to join the practice sessions?
A text from captain Shubman Gill prompted Brar to join the practice sessions in Birmingham.
What were India’s results in the previous Test?
India lost the series opener against England by five wickets.
Who else joined the practice sessions?
Chandigarh pacer Jagjit Singh Sandhu also joined the Indian team for practice in Birmingham.
What is Brar’s connection to the UK?
Brar's wife is from Swindon, which is near Birmingham, making the visit feel like a homecoming for him.
