India, Aug. 12 -- Former Sri Lanka allrounder Farveez Maharoof feels rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar could be the 'X-Factor' in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and says he would be tempted to hand the 26-year-old his Test debut in the two-match series against Sri Lanka, beginning in Galle on Saturday.

Under pressure following a home series defeat to South Africa, fifth-placed India will be without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah when they resume Test action with a two-match tour of Sri Lanka.

Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack but there is speculation whether inexperienced Brar could make his Test debut, replacing Prasidh Krishna, who played in the last Test against Afghanistan.

"The ability to reverse-swing the ball, especially ...