Harpreet Brar’s IPL journey with Punjab Kings reads like a study in commitment. Even when the opportunities are limited—especially after 2025—he hasn’t chased greener pastures or raised complaints. Instead, he stays ready, match after match, waiting for his chance to impact.
Quick facts on Harpreet Brar
- Joined the Punjab franchise in 2019 (then Kings XI Punjab).
- Has played 50 matches for the franchise so far, taking 35 wickets.
- Overall economy rate: 7.98.
- In the current season, has played 1 match and bowled 4 overs for figures of 0/25 vs Rajasthan Royals.
- Middle-overs economy (7th to 16th) since 2021: 7.17.
- Middle-overs economy comparison since 2021 (min 500 balls): only Sunil Narine is better at 6.40.
- Economy vs left-hand batters since 2021 (min 50 balls): 8.05, ahead of Krunal Pandya and Mitchell Santner.
- Since 2021, most Man-of-the-Match awards at the Punjab franchise.
Brar arrived at the franchise in 2019, when the team was still known as Kings XI Punjab. Over the years, he has accumulated 50 appearances and claimed 35 wickets, maintaining an economy of 7.98. The numbers hint at quality, but the selection patterns have not always matched the output.
This season, his involvement has been minimal—just one appearance. In that game, he delivered four overs against Rajasthan Royals, finishing with 0/25. The opposition’s batting order was widely viewed as the most dangerous in the tournament at the time, which makes his spell stand out even more.
A spinner’s efficiency in the middle overs
Brar’s stinginess in the middle phase has been a consistent theme since 2021. From the 7th over through the 16th, his economy rate sits at 7.17. Within that same window, Sunil Narine is the only name ahead of him, posting 6.40, with the condition of at least 500 legal balls faced—an impressive benchmark in a format that usually rewards batters.
Even with IPL’s reputation for attacking cricket, Brar’s economy during those overs barely crosses the 7-run mark. He also edges ahead of other prominent spin options, including Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Varun Chakaravarthy, in that particular comparison.
Yet, despite the steadiness, his usage has not matched his performances since last season. He featured in eight matches last year, but the workload has not grown in the same way. For many players, reduced chances can trigger frustration and thoughts of moving on—but Brar has not followed that path.
Speaking about squad dynamics, Brar noted that while there are 25 players in the set-up, only 12 are able to take the field in any given match. He said that approach—turning up with the belief you might play every time—keeps him mentally prepared. If selection doesn’t come, he focuses on the next game rather than dwelling on the missed opportunity.
That mindset appears to be paying off in how he handles pressure and resets quickly. It also explains why he remains effective whenever the franchise calls on him, instead of looking rusty after long waits.
How he plans against left-hand batters
Brar’s craft against left-hand batters has been particularly notable since 2021. He has been the most economical left-arm finger spinner in that matchup, with an economy of 8.05 under a minimum-ball requirement of 50 deliveries. In that ranking, he sits ahead of Krunal Pandya and Mitchell Santner.
On his tactical approach, the 30-year-old explained that every left-arm spinner starts with a similar idea: avoid bowling into the batter’s preferred arc and aim to push the batter into mistakes on strike. While he acknowledged that left-handers can be comfortable facing a left-arm bowler, he stressed that his selection goals for the India stage should not depend on whether the batter is left or right.
He also pointed to the balance in Punjab’s batting group, adding that the squad has multiple left-hand batters including Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Pannu, and Cooper Connolly. In training, he said he watches which deliveries those batters target, how they respond to different lines and lengths, and how to set fields that can either create dot balls or open wicket-taking chances.
Brar’s logic is clear: if there’s a possibility of being hit, there is also a possibility of taking a wicket. That aggressive-but-controlled mindset seems to be what keeps his spells relevant even when he’s not used frequently.
To cap it off, since 2021 no one has won more Man-of-the-Match awards for Punjab than Brar. Loyalty like that is rare in a league built on constant change, and he has turned patience into a repeatable skill. With the season still moving forward, the franchise will surely hope more opportunities arrive for him in the matches ahead.
