New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara asserts that the talented wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is well-qualified to earn a position in the playing eleven for the upcoming first Test against South Africa. Pujara speculates that Jurel could occupy the number six position in the batting order.

During a pre-match press conference, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate strongly indicated Jurel's probable inclusion in the game set to commence at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, alongside senior wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, following the release of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the squad.

“Firstly, considering his current form, Dhruv Jurel absolutely deserves a place in the playing eleven. My assumption is that he will bat at number six, maintaining the top order as we observed during the tour in England,” said Pujara.

“The opening pair will consist of KL and Yashasvi, followed by Sai at three, Shubman at four, and Rishabh at five. The number six position, previously held by Karun in England, is likely to be taken by Dhruv Jurel,” he added.

“Depending on the pitch conditions, I anticipate a combination of three spinners and two seamers. This is how I see the team shaping up, and Dhruv Jurel fits in seamlessly. Given his current form and batting prowess, he will significantly enhance the Indian batting lineup,” Pujara conveyed to IANS during a media day ahead of the Test.

Jurel has made a strong case for his selection through remarkable performances, including his maiden Test century against the West Indies on a challenging pitch in Ahmedabad last month and consecutive centuries in India A’s recent match against South Africa A in Bengaluru.

Traditionally viewed as a backup wicketkeeper, Jurel has now positioned himself as a credible middle-order batting candidate. In addition, during the Bengaluru match, he and Pant forged a swift partnership, contributing to an impressive 82-run stand for the seventh wicket off just 54 balls, highlighting a promising collaboration that could be crucial in the series against the Proteas.

Regarding local insights on the Eden Gardens pitch, India has access to pacer Akash Deep, who participated in two Ranji Trophy matches at the venue last month.

Despite decent bowling figures since returning from a back injury, Pujara believes Akash may not feature in the eleven if India opts for two pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

“I was highly impressed with his performance in England; he is a skilled bowler. The Indian Test team is fortunate to have a bowler like him who can swing the ball effectively. He is particularly impactful in overseas settings where pitching the ball up is essential,” Pujara remarked.

“Even in Indian conditions, if he can achieve reverse swing, his experience in domestic cricket will make him effective. The team composition will be crucial in determining his inclusion—whether they choose to go with three spinners and just two seamers or not,” he explained.

Pujara concluded by endorsing Akash Deep as a potential game-changer if the black soil pitch in Kolkata provides opportunities for reverse swing. “In India, he can also achieve reverse swing with the older ball, making him effective in those conditions. He possesses significant potential, is learning rapidly, and puts in a lot of effort. His energy on the field is palpable, and I am truly impressed with his performances, both domestically and internationally. He has a promising future,” he stated.

Catch all the action from the First Test of South Africa's tour of India 2025, starting November 14, 9:30 AM IST, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.