Earlier this month Indias cricket team revealed the squad for the first two Tests against England in an upcoming fivematch series. The matches are scheduled for Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam generating significant excitement among cricket fans.
The team selection was mainly in accordance with expectations. The selection of the uncapped Dhruv Jurel, who has made his debut for the national team, may have been the only one that caught attention.
Only two players in the team lack international experience: Avesh Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Although the keeper-batter may not be selected for the starting lineup right away, there are several good reasons to include him.
Here are three reasons why Dhruv Jurel’s selection in the India Test team was the right one.
1. India’s search for a new wicket-keeper in Test cricket
Since more than a year ago, Rishabh Pant has been sidelined, and India has struggled to decide on a starting wicketkeeper. Despite Wriddhiman Saha’s last days with the national squad, the two-time World Test Championship finalists lacked sufficient youthful alternatives to force a change in the manager.
With the 22-year-old Dhruv Jurel, India has a talent they can develop over time. The right-hander will always have the ability to come in and learn from the players in and around the side, even if he is simply Pant’s understudy until the latter returns.
After asking for a sabbatical, Ishan Kishan was not selected by the selectors, and KL Rahul and KS Bharat are both over 30. India might use a youthful wicket-keeper such as Dhruv Jurel in Test cricket.
2. Additional wicket-keeper could boost India’s chances against England
While India was touring South Africa, Rahul was their keeper. He performed admirably in the first Test, but in the second, he missed a catch that may have cost the team dearly.
Keeping to spinners on the subcontinent is a whole other story, even in the best of circumstances. Standing up to the stumps while the ball is keeping low and becoming huge is regarded as the ultimate test of expertise and is best left to a specialised gloveman.
KS Bharat, on the other hand, hasn’t really given me much confidence at bat. In front of them, India cannot afford to have a liability, even if he is rather neat behind the stumps. It’s also important to remember that Saha, despite his lackluster performance, was selected due to his glovework, and Bharat isn’t on the same level.
Given the obvious flaws of both Rahul and Bharat, it makes sense that India sought a third alternative in case things went south. Despite his lack of experience, Dhruv Jurel possesses all the qualities of a fantastic player.
3. Dhruv Jurel has a solid first-class record
Contrary to what many believe Dhruv Jurel isnt a player who has been selected for the Test team solely based on a few IPL cameos for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Instead his impressive firstclass record and consistent role in the A team setup paint a different picture.
Dhruv Jurel has scored 790 runs at an average of 46.47 in 15 first-class games, including five fifty and one hundred. Additionally, he recently scored two fifties for India A, one at home against the England Lions and the other at Benoni against South Africa A.
Dhruv Jurel has been impressing with his Ranji Trophy performances including a determined display against Kerala earlier this month. Despite being more acknowledged for his IPL contributions the 22yearold shows promise as a redball player with satisfactory returns thus far.