The wicketkeeping dilemma in India’s Test squad is all but settled. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are likely to feature in India’s playing XI for the first Test against South Africa, starting November 14 in Kolkata. The match is the much-awaited return of Pant to red-ball cricket after a long injury layoff, while Jurel’s dream run with the bat has made him nearly impossible to overlook. Insidesport told you about this development a few days ago too.
Pant returns, but Jurel’s form too good to ignore
After missing nearly 100 days due to injury, Pant’s comeback has been one of the most anticipated stories. After all, he is already considered India’s best wicket-keeper in the format’s history and is one of the most influential figures in the lineup. However, his return coincides with Jurel’s purple patch across formats. Speaking ahead of the series, Ten Doeschate admitted that while Pant is a no-brainer, Jurel has also warranted his place and is hard to ignore.
“I don’t think you can leave him out for this Test, is the short answer,” Ten Doeschate said. “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.” “I don’t think you can leave him out of this Test. Someone will have to miss out. That’s a simple answer. He is certain to play this week. I’ll be surprised if we don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh play together.”
The coach’s comments all but confirm what many had suspected and that is that India will field two wicketkeepers, with Jurel likely to play as a specialist batter. Pant, meanwhile, resumes his usual role behind the stumps and returns as vice-captain under Shubman Gill.
Incredible Dhruv Jurel deserves a spot
Jurel has made a habit of turning every opportunity into a statement. After a productive IPL 2025 with Rajasthan Royals, he carried his form into the first-class circuit, smashing big runs for India A. Across his last eight first-class innings, Jurel has piled up 670 runs at an average of 83.75, including three centuries and a fifty. His twin hundreds against South Africa A in Bangalore last week showed how high of a temperament he has.
In the last Test match he has played, Jurel made a tremendous hundred against the West Indies.
Nitish Kumar Reddy to be dropped
While Jurel’s inclusion is a reward for consistency, it comes at the expense of Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder featured in India’s last home Test series but was rarely used as a bowler. Ten Doeschate admitted the team’s stance on Reddy hasn’t changed but hinted he’ll sit out the Kolkata Test.
“Our position hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he’ll miss out from the XI this week,” he said.
