Follow UsIndia’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has fully recovered from his toe injury and is set to feature in the upcoming two-match home Test series against South Africa, starting November 14. However, the spotlight is equally on Dhruv Jurel, who has done more than enough to merit a place in the Playing XI despite Pant’s comeback.
After Pant was ruled out of the two Tests against West Indies, Jurel stepped in seamlessly, scoring 125, 44, and 6* in three innings. The 24-year-old then reinforced his red-ball credentials by hammering back-to-back unbeaten centuries - 132 and 127 - in an unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru.
Jurel’s consistency has been remarkable: he now averages 58 in first-class cricket after 30 matches and 47.77 in Tests, with 430 runs in 11 innings. His run of form has sparked discussions about India possibly fielding both wicketkeeper-batters - Jurel and Pant - in the same XI, with either No.3 batter Sai Sudharsan or all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy potentially making way.
Speaking to JioStar, as reported by News18, Jurel dismissed any talk of rivalry with Pant and instead emphasised teamwork. “There is no competition between me and Rishabh bhai. Both of us are playing for India, and whoever plays, the motive is the same: to make India win. If he plays, I am happy. If I play, I am happy. If we play together, even better. The only focus is the team.”
Looking ahead to the clash with the World Test Championship winners South Africa, Jurel said he expects a tough but exciting contest. “It’s going to be a very exciting battle. Both teams have strong fast-bowling attacks. Whether it’s Rabada and Marco Jansen from their side, or Bumrah bhai from ours, there’s quality all around.
"At the end of the day, if you want to win a match, you have to step up against good teams. South Africa are World Test Champions, so it’s going to be a good challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”
Currently in the form of his life, Jurel exudes confidence and clarity about his role in the team.
“I am very confident that I’ll be able to contribute to the team. As a cricketer, the best feeling is when you come back to your room after the match and feel like you’ve done something for your team and that helped the team win.
"Every time I go in to bat, I look at the situation and think about what the team needs from me at that moment, and I try to play accordingly.”