The BCCI Selection is all set to give a Test debut to young keeper Dhruv Jurel, Reason? KS Bharat’s batting form has been nothing short of torrid. Bharat has been a decent keeper, but the board wants more with the bat, something that the Andhra batter has faltered multiple times.
KS Bharat’s replacement? Youngster Dhruv Jurel. With no Ishan Kishan in the team, it is a perfect opportunity for the Rajasthan Royals player to solidify his spot in the team. KL Rahul on the other hand is unfit and will miss the Test. Furthermore, ahead of the series, Rahul Dravid made it clear that KL would only play as a specialist batter.
It is safe to say, KS Bharat has got his chance for India. Albeit not huge opportunities, but opportunities none the same. After spending 13 months on the bench, he finally got his chance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023. Following that series, he played in the WTC Finals and now the IND vs ENG series.
In the meantime, KS Bharat missed the India tour of West Indies, where Ishan Kishan donned the keeper’s gloves. Out of the 7 Test matches that Bharat has played, he has failed to register a single fifty. In fact, his highest score of 44 came against Australia, some eleven and a half months ago.
KS Bharat Batting Stats in Test Cricket for India
| 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Runs | Opposition | Date |
| 8 | – | 8 | Australia | 9 Feb 2023 |
| 6 | 23* | 29 | Australia | 17 Feb 2023 |
| 17 | 3 | 20 | Australia | 1 Mar 2023 |
| 44 | – | 44 | Australia | 9 Mar 2023 |
| 5 | 23 | 28 | Australia | 7 Jun 2023 |
| 41 | 28 | 69 | England | 25 Jan 2024 |
| 17 | 6 | 23 | England | 2 Feb 2024 |
As for Dhruv Jurel, it will be a wonderful opportunity for the youngster to get his first bite in Test cricket. If he performs well, all the merry. Even if he doesn’t it is a step forward for the team, given that a youngster gets crucial match time at the top level.
At just 23 years of age, Jurel has a huge future ahead of him. Further more, With KS Bharat having played 7 Test matches so far and not yielding any result with the bat, it is only fair that the board tries a different player at the same role.
Though pundits remain divided on whether KS Bharat should be benched or not, Jurel is ready for his next role. The young keeper got much needed keeping practice at Rajkot, two days ahead of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test.
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