Here's how playing Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant together can solve India's No. 3 crisis in Tests

Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant - (Source : AFP)

In the ongoing first Test between India and the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the hosts are flying high as the Shubman Gill-led side have taken a 182-run lead. Windies, batting first, tumbled for just 162 runs.

In reply, India lost wickets at regular intervals, but Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja stitched an unbeaten 130-run stand for the fifth wicket. Jurel hogged the internet after he slammed his career's first Test hundred.

Unfortunately, Jurel has been behind Rishabh Pant in the pecking order and is getting opportunities because of Pant's recent injury. Pant suffered an injury in the fourth Test against England, which is why Jurel got the chance to feature against the West Indies.

Notably, Jurel made his Test debut in 2024 and has played just six Tests since his debut. Indian management faces a tough selection headache as it is hard to leave out Jurel the batter out on the bench.

Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant should be together in India's Test XI

However, what if Team India decides to play both Jurel and Rishabh Pant in the playing XI together? It can also solve India's No. 3 issue. Notably, India are struggling for runs at the No. 3 position, and Sai Sudharsan is failing to help his case. 

This article will shed light on why India should fit both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant in the playing XI, and it will help address the No. 3 crisis. 

Dhruv Jurel a player more than a keeper

Dhruv Jurel has been outstanding in his Test career and it is really unfair for him to sit out on the bench. Let's look at his stats. 

Key Takeaways

• After just nine innings, Jurel has managed an average of 49 despite being a lower-middle-order batter. Thus, it reflects consistency and the right-handed batter has grasped every opportunity thrown at him.
• With a 49 average, it is unfair for any cricketer to be warming the bench. Interestingly, Pant also had similar numbers after nine innings, which is why a talent like Jurel, shouldn't be left out on the bench after Pant's return.

Dhruv Jurel vs Rishabh Pant after 9 Test innings

If we are talking about two talents, then we must compare the stats of the two mainstays after nine Test innings.

Key Takeaways

• Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant have similar numbers are nine Test innings and India can try out both keeper-batters in the playing XI.
• The one difference between the two is that Rishabh Pant boasted better away stats than Jurel in his early phase of red-ball career. But, for starters, the management can look to include both players in the playing XI on home Tests.

How can Jurel and Pant's inclusion solve India's No. 3 issue?

Ever since Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket and Shubman Gill was demoted down the order, India have struggled to find a batter who has clicked at No. 3. The Gambhir management has tested Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan at that spot, but both the players have failed so far.

Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan's stats at No. 3

As the stats clearly show that Sai Sudharsan has failed to live upto the expectations and India can get away with the GT opener. Notably, with Sai's exclusion, Shubman Gill can go back to bat No. 3, a position that he has batted the most in his Test career. Further, it allows Rishabh Pant to come up the order at No.4, followed by Dhruv Jurel at No. 5 and then Ravindra Jadeja at No. 6. 

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