Word has it that Team India is considering another choice for wicket-keeper, potentially Dhruv Jurel, due to dissatisfaction with KS Bharat. This untried player may debut in the international cricket scene in the pending third Test against England, slated for February 15 in Rajkot.
KS Bharat has shown solid wicket-keeping skills in challenging subcontinent conditions. However, his batting has not yet shown promise. His Test debut was in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series, but he is yet to cross the half-century mark and averages only 20.09 in nationwide games.
In the recent second Test against England at his home ground, KS Bharat’s performance fell short. His bat scored just 17 and 6 in the first and the second innings. Dhruv Jurel, conversely, has been scoring well in both the 2024 Ranji Trophy and the unofficial series against England Lions.
“Bharat’s batting has been well below-par, while his ‘keeping hasn’t been great either. He isn’t making use of his chances. Jurel, on the other hand, is talented, has a good attitude and has a bright future. He has done well for Uttar Pradesh, India A and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Don’t be surprised if Jurel makes his Test debut at Rajkot,” a source told TOI.
With Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat obviously out of the picture for various reasons, Dhruv Jurel has a fantastic opportunity to solidify his spot in the Test team, at least till Rishabh Pant returns.
Ishan Kishan is allegedly practicing with the Pandya brothers in Baroda rather than competing in the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI is not pleased with the players’ decision to withdraw from the domestic red-ball league.
“In the next few days, all the players will be communicated by the BCCI to play for their state team in the Ranji Trophy, as long as they are not on national duty, with only those who are unfit and recovering at the NCA being granted an exemption. The Board isn’t too happy with certain players already in IPL mode from January,” a source said.
Pujara is taking advantage of the Ranji Trophy to make a strong case for his eventual comeback to the Indian red-ball squad. The board must anticipate additional players to follow in his footsteps, rather than avoiding the competition.
India to Consider Resting Bumrah for 4th Test Against England in Ranchi
Jasprit Bumrah’s value to Team India is undeniable, particularly in subcontinent environments. His recent game-changing actions underscore this. Yet, we must not disregard the demands of his work, given the busy calendar ahead.
According to initial rumors, Bumrah was scheduled to be rested for Team India’s third Test in Rajkot. However, considering that the series is now tied at 1-1 and that there is a ten-day gap between the second and third matches, team management has been urged to unleash Bumrah in the third Test as well, while giving him a respite in the fourth Test at Ranchi.
“He could be rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, which means that he will be fresh and firing for the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala in early March, which could well be the decider of this closely contested series. That’s the point where Bumrah’s presence will make a difference,” the source said.
Mohammed Siraj returns to the Indian pace attack in the second part of the series, while Akash Deep receives his first call-up.