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Should India pick Dhruv Jurel or persist with Nitish Reddy for 1st Test vs SA? Analysis explains

Sakshi Sharma

Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy (Source: AFP)Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy (Source: AFP)

As India prepare to take on South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series starting November 14 at Eden Gardens, one key selection question that has gained limelight: who will be picked; Dhruv Jurel or Nitish Kumar Reddy?

According to recent reports, the team management is leaning towards giving in-form batter Dhruv Jurel a place in the playing XI, ahead of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. If reports are to be believed, Jurel might play as a specialist batter alongside wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who returns from an injury.

India’s Selection Dilemma: Jurel or Reddy at No. 6

India’s Test squad has a settled line-up, but the No. 6 spot remains the only position under debate ahead of the South Africa series. 

Pant is available to play as the wicketkeeper, and the team is expected to go with three spinners - Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav and pick just two seamers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj) for the Kolkata Test.

Considering this line-up, the next question is: will India go with Dhruv Jurel or stick with Nitish Kumar Reddy for the no.6 spot?

Dhruv Jurel’s red-hot form vouches for his inclusion

  • Dhruv Jurel has been in exceptional touch this season. Representing India A against South Africa A, he smashed twin centuries (132* and 127*) in the recent unofficial Test. His recent first-class scores underline his consistency. Across his last eight first-class innings, Jurel has produced three centuries, one fifty, and a 40-plus score, at an average of above 80.
  • Dhruv Jurel recently showcased his class in the India A vs South Africa A Tests. In two innings, the star player made 259 runs at a strike-rate of 75.07 at an average of 259. 
  • In the longest format of the game, Jurel has played 5 innings and made 228 runs at an average of 57.00 and a strike-rate of 59.84 in 2025. 
Criterion
Data
Innings5
Runs228
Average57.00
SR59.84

(Dhruv Jurel's Test stats in 2025)

  • The 24-year-old has also impressed in his brief international career. From performing well in England and the West Indies, Jurel has shown both temperament and technique suitable for Test cricket. His consistent batting form has made him very hard to ignore for the upcoming South Africa series.

Why Nitish Reddy might miss out 

  • It is important to note that there are likely chance that Nitish Kumar Reddy might not be selected for the playing XI for the Kolkata test. If India go with three spinners and two pacers - Nitish Reddy’s seam-bowling option becomes less crucial at this case. And another fact that cannot be denied is that Reddy just bowled four overs in the West Indies series in October.
  • Second factor that can lead to his omission is that India’s strategy in home Tests generally prioritises strong batting depth and spin variety over a third seam-bowling option. So there are high chances that that Gautam Gambhir and team management will not go with Reddy purely for his all-round abilities.

Final verdict

Dhruv Jurel’s current form and batting reliability make him the right choice for India’s No. 6 spot in the first Test. Given India’s spin-heavy plan and the need for solid batting depth, it seems logical that Dhruv Jurel will replace Nitish Reddy and play alongside Rishabh Pant in the middle order.