IND vs SA: India’s rising wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is all set to feature in the first Test against South Africa, starting Friday (November 14) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Jurel’s selection during a press conference on Wednesday, effectively ending speculation over who would don the gloves for the series opener.
While addressing the media, Doeschate said, “I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of the combination, and I don’t think you can leave them (Jurel and Pant) out for this Test – that’s the short answer.”
The former Netherlands all-rounder further praised Jurel’s recent form and consistency, emphasizing that his selection was a straightforward decision. “Given the way Dhruv (Jurel) has gone in the last six months, and scoring two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he is certain to play this week,” Doeschate told PTI. “I would be very surprised if you don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test this week.”
Jurel, who impressed during the West Indies Test series earlier this year in the absence of Rishabh Pant, had struck his maiden Test century in Ahmedabad. Since then, he has continued his prolific run in domestic and first-class cricket, amassing scores of 140, 56, 125, 44, 132 (not out) and 127 (not out)* across his last five matches. His stellar form has boosted his first-class average from 47.34 to 58.00, making him one of India’s most consistent performers in red-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy has reportedly been released from the Test squad and will join the India A side in Rajkot for their ongoing series against South Africa A. The move is believed to be aimed at giving the young all-rounder more match time and opportunities to regain rhythm after recent injury setbacks.
With both Pant and Jurel in the XI, India appear to have struck a promising balance of experience and youth ahead of the much-anticipated series.