Rishabh Pant’s comeback meets Dhruv Jurel’s surge - A new selection puzzle for India?

Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel [Source: @BCCI/x, AFP]

The return of Rishabh Pant undoubtedly serves as a major boost for Indian cricket. However, on this occasion, it also stirred up a compelling debate about a possible new direction for India’s wicketkeeping hierarchy.

The rise of Dhruv Jurel during Pant’s absence as a wicketkeeper-batter has added a fascinating twist to India’s Test setup, as the young keeper’s run of impactful performances have ensured that Pant’s return comes with a healthy competition. Off late, the 24-year-old has also proven himself to be more than just a backup option, and it is about time that Team India management and the selectors start considering him as more than just Rishabh Pant’s understudy.

As the debate gains momentum, here we take a closer look at the return of Rishabh Pant, and the coinciding rise of Dhruv Jurel as Team India braces itself for the next ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Dhruv Jurel – Because his numbers speak for themselves

Dhruv Jurel made his Test debut back in early 2024 against England at a time when Rishabh Pant was still recovering from his near-fatal injury. After aggregating 190 runs in four innings of his debut series against England, Jurel got one more crack in the Indian playing XI later that year at the Perth Stadium against Australia.

While Dhruv Jurel was making sporadic appearances for Team India in his first year of Test cricket, comeback man Rishabh Pant was restoring his identity as India’s premier wicketkeeper-batter.

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Fast forward to July 2025, and a nasty foot injury to Rishabh Pant in England opened yet another door for a young Dhruv Jurel, who was fast-tracked into the Indian XI for the series decider at The Oval. After scores of just 19 and 34 in that match, the cricketer came into his own in the subsequent home series against West Indies, smashing a match-winning ton in Ahmedabad shortly after cracking a blistering 140 in a four-day game against Australia A in Lucknow.

Jurel further strengthened his credentials with twin unbeaten centuries against South Africa A in Bengaluru in November, coinciding with Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket. The following numbers reflect how the youngster has flourished in first-class cricket ever since stepping in for his injured senior.

Dhruv Jurel first-class record since replacing Rishabh Pant in July 2025:

Who to ‘Keep’ as India’s wicketkeeper? India’s pleasant selection dilemma

Team India’s wicketkeeping conundrum is no longer about ‘availability’, it is about preference in the face of “form vs legacy”. With both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel firing in their own ways, the two cricketers have proven themselves to be explosive counter attackers for Team India in the middle-order.

In Rishabh Pant’s case, the blistering wicketkeeper-batter has unleashed some breathtaking innings, even in tough overseas countries like Australia, England and South Africa. Despite his recent injury setbacks in the last couple of years, Pant’s ability of tilting the momentum of Test matches remains unparalleled among all active keeper-batters worldwide.

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In the case of Dhruv Jurel, his cricketing temperament has been the hallmark of his short yet promising career. Where Rishabh Pant thrives on audacity, Jurel impresses with assurance. His sound defense and mature shot selection can help India salvage a Test or even seize control of precarious match situations. And underneath all that composure lies a mindset capable enough of switching gears when the moment demands, considering his red-ball strike rate reads close to 60.

However, the real test of Dhruv Jurel’s mettle will truly be tested in overseas conditions. While the cricketer has not had much luck outside India, his talent suggests it’s only a matter of time before his away record changes.

Rishabh Pant vs Dhruv Jurel in Tests so far

As things stand, Team India finds itself blessed with two promising red-ball wicketkeeper-batters – one proven, the other promising. While it remains to be seen if the selectors will prefer experience over momentum or vice versa in the coming months, India’s Test future looks bright, at least with the gloves. 

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