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Dhruv Jurel Sidelined From Central Zone Squad; Replacement Announced For Duleep Trophy

Rajgeeta Yadav

Dhruv Jurel suffers from Dengue [Source: AFP]Dhruv Jurel suffers from Dengue [Source: AFP]

India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinal after being diagnosed with dengue. Jurel was originally named captain of the Central Zone squad, but his illness has forced the selectors to make late changes ahead of the big clash against West Zone.

Akshay Wadkar Included To Central Zone Squad

Vidarbha skipper Akshay Wadkar has been called in as his replacement, which has raised eyebrows since Wadkar was left out during the initial selection despite a strong domestic season.

Confirming the news to Hitavada, Central Zone head coach Usman Ghani said, 

"Yes, Wadkar has been included in Central Zone team since Jurel is suffering from dengue. He is not available for the next game and we needed one more stumper in the side."

Central Zone advanced to the semifinals after a convincing first-innings win against North East Zone in Bengaluru. However, the squad has now had to deal with two key changes before facing a tougher challenge. 

Kuldeep Yadav Withdraws From Duleep Trophy

Apart from Jurel’s unavailability, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also withdrawn from the tournament due to his commitments with India in the Asia Cup 2025. As a result, fast bowler Yash Thakur, who was earlier on the standby list, has been drafted into the squad. Rajat Patidar, who played a captain’s knock in the quarterfinal, will now continue as the team’s leader.

Interestingly, Wadkar’s selection comes after what many considered an unfair omission. Despite guiding Vidarbha to their third Ranji Trophy title earlier this year, he was not included in the squad initially because BCCI’s rules give preference to players currently in the Indian setup, like Jurel. With Jurel sidelined, Wadkar now gets his opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage.

Wadkar’s domestic record speaks for itself. In the last Ranji Trophy season, he scored 722 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries and two fifties, while also accounting for 24 dismissals as wicketkeeper (19 catches and five stumpings). His consistency with both bat and gloves makes him a strong addition to the Central Zone squad, and he will be eager to make the most of this unexpected chance.