Deep Dasgupta backs Dhruv Jurel for India's tour of Australia
What's the story
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Deep Dasgupta, has expressed his admiration for youngster Dhruv Jurel's batting technique and composure. Speaking to India Today, Dasgupta suggested that Jurel could excel in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year. This endorsement comes after the BCCI announced a 16-member squad for the first match of the two-Test series against Bangladesh. Dasgupta also feels India could play three wicketkeepers in the series against Bangladesh. Here's more.
Player assessment
Dasgupta praises Jurel's technique and composure
Dasgupta believes that Jurel's technique and composure make him a strong candidate for batting in Australian conditions compared to other newcomers. "The other thing you have to keep in mind is the Australia series. You can also look at other options, but the way Dhruv batted, his technique and composure, I think he is more adept to batting in Australia than some of the other newcomers," the cricketer-turned-commentator said.
Test strategy
Dasgupta envisions all 3 wicketkeepers playing together
Dasgupta has proposed a scenario where all three wicketkeepers - Rishabh Pant, Jurel and KL Rahul could play together in the first Test versus the Tigers. This match is set to commence on Thursday, September 19, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. "You can think of someone like Sarfaraz Khan for the middle-order. Even for that matter, Dhruv Jurel batted beautifully. Yeah, I won't be surprised if Rishabh, Dhruv and KL all three of them play."
Team composition
Dasgupta's ideal team composition for 1st Test
Talking about team composition, Dasgupta feels Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are set to open. He backed Shubman Gill at No. 3, Virat Kohli at No. 4. Rahul at No. 5. Pant at No. 6. He felt India can play another batter at number 7 before the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin come in alongside two seamers. He feels India can go with four bowlers and have a few part timers to help out.
Information
Decoding Jurels' numbers
Jurel played three matches for India against England in the Test series this year. He scored 190 runs at 63.33. In 19 First-Class matches, Jurel has scored 982 runs at 44.63.
India
India likely to go with five premier bowling options
India are likely to play six batters, three spin all-rounders and two pacers in the upcoming series against Bangladesh. With Pant set for a return, the likes of Jurel and Rahul are expected to miss out. India are likely to continue with Sarfaraz in the middle order with Kohli and Pant in there. India probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep.