Harnoor Singh

Under the golden hues of Punjab's cricketing legacy, where the sound of willow meeting leather echoes through generations, emerged a young prodigy—Harnoor Singh Pannu. Born on January 30, 2003, in the cricket-rich city of Jalandhar, Harnoor was not just another boy with a bat but a storyteller at the crease. 

With a left-handed stance as graceful as a poet’s verse and strokes as fluid as a river carving its course, he quickly became one of the most exciting young prospects in Indian cricket. His journey—from the bustling grounds of Punjab to donning the Indian Under-19 jersey—was not just about runs but about resilience, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and the making of a future star.

Growing up in a region renowned for producing cricketing stalwarts, Harnoor was naturally drawn to the sport. His father, Rajinder Singh, a former cricketer who played for Services in domestic cricket, played a pivotal role in nurturing his son's passion. 

From a tender age, Harnoor was introduced to the nuances of the game, with his father often serving as his first coach and mentor. The cricket fields of Jalandhar became his playground, where he honed his skills amidst the rich cricketing culture of Punjab. 

At the age of 10, Harnoor began playing for a Chandigarh club, marking his entry into competitive cricket. His performances in local matches soon caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in Punjab's age-group teams. 

A significant breakthrough came during the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy, where Harnoor emerged as the highest run-scorer, amassing 412 runs, including three consecutive centuries. His consistent run-scoring ability and composure at the crease were evident in key tournaments leading up to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2022.

In the Under-19 Triangular Series involving India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, Harnoor emerged as a standout performer. His ability to anchor innings and play impactful knocks was evident throughout the tournament. Specific statistics from this series are not readily available in the provided sources. 

Harnoor's form continued in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2021, where he was named the Player of the Series. He amassed a total of 261 runs in five matches, including a stellar century against the United Arab Emirates in the tournament opener. Despite a modest score of five runs in the final against Sri Lanka, his overall contributions were pivotal in India's title-winning campaign.

Harnoor carried his rich vein of form into the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in the West Indies in 2022. In a group-stage match against Ireland, he played a crucial innings, scoring 88 runs. His partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scored 79 runs, laid a solid foundation for India's total of 307 for 5. 

It was just the beginning of something great in his career. He played his maiden first-class cricket against Baroda in February 2022 in Cuttack. Opening the innings, he scored a mesmerizing knock of 86 runs in the fourth innings of the match. 

Later in the same year, on October 12, he wore his maiden T20 cap, playing against Sikkim in Lucknow. However, he didn’t have the best of debuts as he managed to score only six runs. 

Harnoor's batting style is characterized by classical technique combined with modern stroke play. His ability to play both pace and spin with equal finesse makes him a versatile batter. Often likened to a craftsman, he meticulously constructs his innings, displaying patience and aggression in equal measure.

Harnoor had showcased exceptional talent in domestic circuits. Notably, during the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup, he amassed 578 runs across 12 matches, demonstrating his prowess by hitting 33 sixes. This remarkable performance undoubtedly played a role in catching the attention of IPL scouts and franchises.

Harnoor’s journey into the Indian Premier League (IPL) began with his selection by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the IPL 2025 auction. The franchise acquired his services at his base price of INR 30 lakh.

(As of March 2025)