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"He is certain to play": IND coach confirms Jurel's participation in 1st Test vs SA

Sakshi Sharma

Pant and Jurel likely to play together in Kolkata [Source: AFP]Pant and Jurel likely to play together in Kolkata [Source: AFP]

With just days left for India’s first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has all but likely confirmed that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are set to feature in the playing XI. The first Test, starting November 14, marks Rishabh Pant’s much-awaited return to the Indian side after recovering from his injuries post the England tour. 

Pant returns, but Jurel’s form makes him crucial

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Ten Doeschate admitted that it would be very hard to leave Jurel out given his recent purple patch with the bat. It would not be wrong to say that this almost confirms that India will field both Pant and Jurel. 

The next question is whether it will be interesting to see whether Rishabh Pant will continue with his wicketkeeping duties or will he just play as a specialist batter.

"I don't think you can leave him out for this test, is the short answer. But obviously, you can only pick 11 as well. So someone else will have to miss out. I think we've got a pretty good idea of the combination. 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," the Dutchman said in a press conference on Wednesday.

It is also important to say that these remarks have also settled the debate around the possible inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI. 

Selection puzzle in spin-bowling department

While the wicketkeeping debate seems settled, the Indian management might still face a challenge in finalising their spin-bowling combination. With Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja all capable of contributing with both bat and ball, India has many choices again in this department as well.

“Again, like what I mentioned about Washi, Axar, Jadu — for me, you’ve actually got three batters there. So it gives us a lot of options. But I would be very surprised if you don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test,” he added.

It can be said that the Indian team is likely to feature both Pant and Jurel and a spin-heavy bowling unit suited for subcontinental conditions.