Ganguly praises Jurel (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com, @DelhiCapitals/x.com)
As the India A side just wrapped up a two-match Test series against South Africa A, Dhruv Jurel’s brilliance stunned the world. Facing the young Protea side, the Indian batter smashed a twin hundred in both innings in the second match.
The Indian side is all set to face South Africa in the first Test match of the series in Eden Gardens, and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly praised Jurel. At the same time, he expressed concerns over the young batters and their spots in the playing XI.
Ganguly voices concern about Jurel’s spot in India’s XI
After making his Test debut for India last year, Dhruv Jurel has been a regular member of India’s red-ball format. But in the recent unofficial Test series against India A, he shattered the record book. In the second Test against South Africa A, India was struggling and Jurel gave a massive boost to Indian’s innings with an unbeaten 132.
In the second innings, he channeled his exceptional form with another outstanding unbeaten 127. At a recent event, former captain Sourav Ganguly praised his talent but voiced concerns about whether the young star secures a spot in India’s playing XI after Pant’s comeback.
“He is playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically, the spots are taken - two openers, Gill at four, Pant at five, KL, Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easily will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know,” he said.
Number 3 role could be Jurel’s big break
As the batting spots are already fixed, the number 3 position can be a potential chase for the batter. Last Test against West Indies, Sai Sudharsan had stepped into that role, and Ganguly said that it will be interesting to see if the management sticks with Sudharsan or hands Jurel a chance to shine.
“But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 - whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan, or bring in form Dhruv in. We’ll find out,” he added.
On November 14, Shubman Gill’s India will face South Africa in the first Test match of the two-match Test series at the Eden Gardens. As the red-ball thrills are coming back on Indian soil, fans are waiting for a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants.
