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Why India Preferred Jurel Over Ruturaj And Iyer? Cricket Analyst Raises Questions On Selection

Akshita Patel

Akash Chopra questions Dhruv Jurel's selection in T20I side [Source: @dhruvjurel21, @SaviourShrey96/X.com]Akash Chopra questions Dhruv Jurel's selection in T20I side [Source: @dhruvjurel21, @SaviourShrey96/X.com]

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Former cricketer turned analyst, Aakash Chopra has stirred a debate over the selection of youngster Dhruv Jurel over experienced players like Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the T20I squad against England. Chopra opined that Jureal had been picked solely on the basis of his potential and that the selectors took a bold call.

India released a 15-member squad for the T20I series against England a while ago under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. A lot of new faces, including Dhruv Jurel found a place. 

However, the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer, who have been quite consistent in domestic cricket, were sidelined.

Why did India pick Dhruv Jurel over Iyer, Rururaj?

Recently, former cricketer turned analyst Aakash Chopra raised some questions about Jurel’s selection. In his YouTube video, Chopra explained that Jureal has been picked as a second wicket-keeper solely on his potential as he has not earned his place in the T20I format.

"Dhruv Jurel has been picked because you need a second wicketkeeper in the team. It's a five-match series, so you really want a second keeper. He has been picked because of one word, and that is potential. I don't mind it," Chopra said.

He added that sometimes selectors often make bold decisions and receive criticism and Jurel’s selection is one such instance.

"Questions might be asked many times by comparing players' performances. However, in the end, as a selector, you need to see the potential. You need to take a brave call at times, for which you might be criticised occasionally," he added.

India takes 2-0 lead in five-game series

Team India won the second T20I against England in a nail-biting thriller to take a 2-0 lead in the five-game series. After a dominant 7-wicket victory in the first game, the men in blue were put on the backfoot in the second game at Chennai. 

However, amid a tough chase, Tilak Varma unleashed his masterclass. He slammed an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls to guide India to a thrilling 2-wicket win. The series will now resume on January 28 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.