Aakash Chopra Backs Dhruv Jurel’s Inclusion Alongside Rishabh Pant for India’s First Test Against South Africa

India faces the challenge of selecting a playing XI ahead of their first Test against World Test Championship champions South Africa on November 14th. Both the in-form vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are in contention for the wicketkeeper-batsman's role. Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir were the two names that former India cricketer Aakash Chopra picked as ones who must feature in the playing XI. While Pant has staged an incredible recovery from injury, Jurel too has scored centuries in consecutive games against West Indies and South Africa A. He also named one player who could be axed from the playing XI.

Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube channel that both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant are in the squad. Rishabh Pant is certain to play, as he is the vice-captain. He will and should play. However, I think Dhruv Jurel should also be included. Chopra stated that a place should be made for him in the playing eleven.

Chopra further stated that the question would be whether you would compromise with Sai Sudarshan up front or Nitish Kumar Reddy down the order. Recommending a possible combination, Chopra advised the team management, led by Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir, to retain Sai Sudarshan at number three and drop all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.