Commencing on June 20, the high stakes 5-match Test series between England and India is set to ignite. Intense discussions revolve around India's potential playing eleven. A focal point is Dhruv Jurel; will this talented batsman, known for his exquisite technique and ability to perform splendidly for India, make the cut? How will Shubman Gill integrate Jurel with Pant in the squad?
In recent unofficial Test matches between India A and England Lions, Jurel delivered impressive performances. His extraordinary form suggests that he should no longer be considered merely as Pant’s backup. Thus, speculations arise that Gill might include Jurel alongside Pant in the playing eleven for the opening Test against England. Although Jurel excels as a wicketkeeper-batsman, Pant remains a formidable candidate, enhanced by his vice-captaincy role.
Jurel not only batted successfully on the seaming pitches against the England Lions but also exhibited exceptional technique and speed to score quickly at a strike rate of 75.67, earning the highest run-making accolade among over 200-run scorers. This feat holds immense significance in English conditions. His unbeaten 94 at Canterbury followed a significant partnership break between Sarfraz Khan and Nair, leading to a pivotal 195-run partnership alongside Nair. Jurel remained unbeaten in his second innings with a notable 53 runs.
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Will Both Players Be in the Playing Eleven?
There’s a strategy to position Jurel as a specialist batsman at number 6, not unprecedented for India on foreign tours to deepen their batting lineup. Hanuma Vihari's deployments are a contemporary example.
By slotting Ravindra Jadeja at number 7 and Shardul Thakur at number 8, India might field a balanced combination. However, Jurel's inclusion signifies that either Sai Sudarshan or Karun Nair might miss out. With Nair's double century for India A and his triple century record in Tests, he appears more likely for selection, which suggests Sai Sudarshan may have to wait.
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If Jurel is played, India’s probable playing eleven includes: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Akash Deep.
India's 18-Member Squad for England Tour:
Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Rishabh Pant (vice-captain/wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
