Is Dhruv Jurel Making It Difficult for Coach and Captain to Drop Him?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dhruv Jurel scores consecutive centuries.
- Former cricketer Ashwin praises his efforts.
- Jurel strengthens his case for the senior team.
- India A shows improved performance.
- Upcoming Tests could see Jurel's inclusion.
New Delhi, Nov 8 (NationPress) Indian batsman Dhruv Jurel has achieved the remarkable feat of scoring back-to-back centuries in the second unofficial Test match between India A and South Africa A. Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin lauded the wicketkeeper-batter, asserting that he has presented a compelling argument for selection ahead of the senior men's Test series against the seasoned Proteas squad.
During a challenging first innings for India A, Jurel emerged as a crucial player, guiding the team to a total of 255 all out in 77.1 overs. No other player surpassed 25 runs, with skipper Rishabh Pant coming in second with just 24 runs, trailing behind Jurel's impressive 132.
The visiting team faced similar difficulties, with only Marques Ackerman shining through with his score of 134 runs, as the rest of the batting lineup struggled. Tiaan van Vuuren stood out as the top bowler for SA A in the first innings, taking four wickets, while Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack for India with three wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep each contributed with two wickets as the hosts restricted South Africa A to 221 all out, gaining a narrow lead.
In the second innings, India A's batting performance improved significantly, with Jurel again making headlines by scoring a second consecutive century.
Ashwin, impressed by Jurel's performance, remarked that the Uttar Pradesh-born player is making it increasingly challenging for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to exclude him from the forthcoming two-Test home series against South Africa due to his outstanding contributions.
“Dhruv Jurel is making it very hard for the coach and captain to drop him from the upcoming Test match. Two centuries in both innings of the unofficial Test against SA A,” he shared on X.
As of the latest update, Jurel is 127 not out off 170 balls, with India A at 382-7 in 89.2 overs, following the fall of Pant's wicket.