Aakash Chopra Backs Dhruv Jurel’s Inclusion Alongside Rishabh Pant for India’s First Test Against South Africa
IND vs SA 1st test: Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel should be included in the playing XI. In this case, Nitish Kumar Reddy could be dropped.
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.
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He stated, "I think Sai Sudarshan should be allowed to play at number three. Nitish Kumar Reddy has not been able to do his job properly so far." Therefore, you can drop him and keep Dhruv Jurel, as Jurel's recent form further strengthens his case.
Jural scored 125 in the first Test against the West Indies in October and followed it up with an unbeaten 132 for India A against South Africa A. Given Nitish Reddy's limited bowling contributions in domestic cricket, Jurel could get a chance as a specialist batsman.
