Will Jurel Play in Kolkata? Nitish's Participation in Doubt, Says Ryan ten Doeschate
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement for cricket fans, Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Dhruv Jurel's inclusion in the playing eleven for the first Test against South Africa. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy's spot remains uncertain. Explore the dynamics behind the team's composition and the strategies leading into this crucial match at Eden Gardens.
Key Takeaways
- Dhruv Jurel will play alongside Rishabh Pant.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy may miss the Test.
- Team strategy is focused on winning and player development.
- Jurel's form is a key reason for his selection.
- Expectations are high for the upcoming Test at Eden Gardens.
Kolkata, Nov 12 (NationPress) The assistant coach of India, Ryan ten Doeschate, announced on Wednesday that Dhruv Jurel is set to be part of the playing eleven alongside Rishabh Pant for the first Test against South Africa, commencing at Eden Gardens this Friday.
After achieving his first Test century in the 2-0 series victory over the West Indies, Jurel showcased impressive form with scores of 132 not out and 127 not out for India A in the recent red-ball match against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru last week.
Despite some skepticism about Jurel maintaining his position with Pant returning from a fractured right foot, his outstanding batting performance has solidified his place. The last time Jurel and Pant shared the field in the same playing eleven was during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth.
"I don’t believe you can exclude him from this Test. That’s the brief answer. However, we can only choose 11 players, so someone has to be left out. We have a solid understanding of the combination. Given Dhruv’s recent performances, particularly with two centuries in Bangalore last week, he is definitely in the lineup this week," ten Doeschate expressed during a press conference.
He further indicated that while Jurel is confirmed, seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy might not be included in the series opener against the current World Test Championship holders, South Africa.
“Our strategy remains the priority. The main goal is to devise a plan to secure victory, and if we can also provide opportunities for player development, we will. Our stance on Nitish has not changed. He didn’t have much game time in Australia, and considering the significance of this series and the conditions we expect, he may not participate in this Test week,” he added.
Point of View
The announcement about Dhruv Jurel's inclusion is a testament to the importance of performance in cricket. The strategic decisions made by the coaching staff reflect a commitment to winning, while also considering player development. With the series against a formidable opponent like South Africa, every decision is critical.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dhruv Jurel important for the team?
Dhruv Jurel's recent form, including two centuries in domestic matches, showcases his capability and potential impact on the Test series.
What are the reasons for Nitish Kumar Reddy's uncertain status?
Considering his limited game time in Australia and the strategic requirements of the upcoming Test, he may not be included in the playing eleven.
How does the team balance between experience and youth?
The selectors aim to blend experienced players with promising talents, ensuring a robust team for key matches.
