Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are likely to return for the Kolkata Test. Following Jurel's recent form, he might get a chance to play as a batsman. This could mean either Sai Sudharsan or Nitish Reddy has to sit out.
Sports: The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played in Kolkata starting November 14th. Discussions surrounding the Indian team's playing XI for this match are intensifying. The team management faces a crucial decision, particularly regarding the selection of the wicketkeeper and a batsman. In this context, Dhruv Jurel's name is continuously in the headlines. Dhruv Jurel has recently delivered an impressive performance against South Africa A, making his inclusion in the Kolkata Test almost certain.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant's return in the role of captain and wicketkeeper can also be expected in this encounter. In this scenario, the team will have to decide which batsman will sit out. It is believed that due to Jurel's selection, either Sai Sudharsan or the fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy might have to make way.
Dhruv Jurel's Recent Form
Dhruv Jurel is currently in excellent form. In the second unofficial Test match against South Africa A, he scored centuries in both innings. This performance clearly indicates that he is a b option for the team, not just as a wicketkeeper but also as a specialist batsman.
His batting has bly caught the attention of selectors and team management. Jurel is not just scoring runs; his confidence in making them and his ability to understand match situations have become hallmarks of his game.
Likelihood of Selection as a Specialist Batsman
According to news agency PTI, a BCCI source stated that the possibility of playing Jurel as a specialist batsman in the Kolkata Test is very b. It was also mentioned that in Indian conditions, the team might not require Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling much. Due to this, a change in the batting order could be seen.
Jurel could be sent to bat at number three, a position currently occupied by Sai Sudharsan. In another scenario, Jurel could be positioned lower down the order, leading to Nitish Reddy being dropped.
Discussion on Team Combination in Previous Matches
In the Ahmedabad Test against West Indies, Nitish Reddy was not utilized much in bowling. He only got to bowl four overs. Subsequently, in the Delhi Test, he was promoted up the batting order, but he did not get an opportunity to bowl.
Jurel's Performance Against South Africa A
In the second unofficial Test against South Africa A, Jurel not only countered the bowling attack but also demonstrated through his batting style that he is a valuable batsman for the team in any situation. He has also consistently played significant innings in the domestic season.
He has played innings like 140, 56, 125, 44, 6, unbeaten 132, and unbeaten 127. This performance is far from ordinary. This consistency proves his b mental and technical prowess.
Rishabh Pant's Return
In this match, Rishabh Pant could take the field as wicketkeeper and captain. Pant has shown confidence behind the wickets and with the bat in recent matches. Against South Africa A, he not only kept wickets but also captained the team.
Dhruv Jurel's Test Career Performance So Far
Dhruv Jurel is 24 years old and has played 7 Test matches for India so far. In these, he has scored a total of 430 runs with the help of 1 century and 1 half-century. He made his Test debut against England in 2024.
