Dhruv Jurel has made a claim for a regular berth in the Indian Playing Xi with a fine batting display in Ahmedabad. Jurel, replacing the injured Rishabh Pant, stroked a maiden century to put his side in command in the IND vs WI 1st Test. The 24-year-old has had frugal opportunities to press his case, and is making the most of his chance.
Dhruv Jurel stars in IND vs WI 1st Test
Dhruv Jurel might be serving as Rishabh Pant’s deputy but the Rajasthan Royals star is quickly making a mark for himself. The 24-year-old on Friday slammed his maiden Test century in a fine display of Test match batting in Ahmedabad. Batting at No.5, Jurel steadied the ship after the wickets of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.
With Ravindra Jadeja for company, Jurel scored a gritty century helping India gain a substantial lead. He guided India to a score in excess of 400, batting like an experience campaigner. His measured approach stood out, with Jurel dabbling aggression and caution effectively. His timing was on point as showcased with his exquisite drives and cuts through the off side. He eventually reached his century, with a classy punch through mid on for a boundary.
Jurel’s prowess with the bat is not alien. Before the IND vs WI series, the 24-year-old warmed up with a stellar 140 for India A against Australia A in Lucknow. He had 3 fifties in 4 innings against England Lions on the tour of England. He averages a stunning 48.91 in First Class cricket, with 13 fifties and 2 centuries in 39 innings.
Gautam Gambhir and the team management do back Jurel’s batting skills. He featured a pure batter in Australia for the Perth Test before India went with their all-rounder heavy XI. India do lack a pure batsman in the middle order, with Karun Nair’s struggles in England. Jurel is slowly making the claim for himself, allowing him or Rishabh Pant to feature as pure batsmen.
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