In only two Test matches, 23-year-old Dhruv Jurel has proved that he belongs to the Test level. But what will happen when Rishabh Pant returns? Will Jurel lost his place to Pant? Or can both coexist in the same Test XI?
Dhruv Jurel made his Test debut in Rajkot after KS Bharat’s continuous failures, and the youngster put up impressive batting and keeping performances straightaway.
He scored 46 in Rajkot but his more memorable contributions came in Ranchi, where he scored 90 and 39*. He fought alone in the lower-order in the first innings and then showed great temperament in a tricky run-chase in the second innings.
After the T20 World Cup, India will have a home Test season before touring Australia for an epic, blockbuster 5-Test series.
Rishabh Pant is in line for a comeback to cricket with the IPL 2024, having recovered from the injuries he sustained in a car accident in December 2022. If Pant performs well straight away, he will get back in the Indian team as well.
No threat to Dhruv Jurel’s position even when Rishabh Pant returns: BCCI source
In a strong show of confidence and faith in young Jurel, a BCCI source has told The Telegraph website that even when Pant returns to Test team, Dhruv Jurel is all but certain to hold onto his position. The reason for that is believed that Pant may not take the wicket-keeping workload in Test side this year and that Jurel will be the first-choice keeper.
Or, as the BCCI insider suggested, when Pant takes the gloves, Jurel could be picked as a batsman.
“You never know… Even after Rishabh Pant’s return, Jurel could still retain his place in the XI as a specialist batter. He has proved he can be an asset to the team just as a batsman too,” a BCCI insider told The Telegraph on Tuesday.
The fifth Test in Ranchi starts on March 7.
Also Read: FC Bayern Munich’s Post For ‘GOAT’ Virat Kohli Goes Viral
