Both Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant set to play Kolkata Test
What's the story
India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has all but confirmed that Dhruv Jurel will keep his spot in the Test XI despite Rishabh Pant's return. The announcement was made just two days before the 1st Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Jurel had stepped up during the absence of Pant, who was out with a foot fracture. The former scored his maiden Test hundred during the West Indies series.
Performance review
Jurel's recent form makes him an indispensable asset
Jurel's stellar performance in the West Indies series and recent centuries for India A in Bengaluru have made him an indispensable part of the team. "Given the way Dhruv's gone in the last six months, scoring two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he's certain to play this week," ten Doeschate said. He added that having three spin-bowling all-rounders gives India the flexibility to include an extra batter like Jurel without compromising their bowling strength.
Squad changes
Nitish likely to be dropped for 1st Test
With Pant's return, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely be dropped from the squad. Ten Doeschate said, "Our position certainly hasn't changed on Nitish. He didn't get much game time in Australia, but I would say, given the importance of the series and given the conditions we think we're going to face, he might miss out in this Test this week."
Form
Jurel's splendid form in red-ball cricket
Jurel recently smashed twin centuries for India A in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru. Jurel, who made an unbeaten 132* in the first innings, touched the three-figure landmark on Day 3 as well. With his 113th in the first innings, Jurel also surpassed 2,000 First-Class runs. With Pant being injured, Jurel played two Tests for India against WI, recording scores of 125, 44, and 6*.