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Former Australia wrist spinner Brad Hogg has voiced his opinion on India's wicket-keeping dilemma, suggesting that Dhruv Jurel should retain his position behind the stumps in Test cricket. According to Hogg, Rishabh Pant, who is on the mend following a serious car accident in December 2022, should not be hastily reintegrated into the Test squad. Instead, Hogg believes Pant would benefit from gaining more domestic experience before making his Test comeback.
"I think they will keep with Jurel and not go back to Pant quickly. I think they will make him go and play some first-class cricket in the longest format so that they make sure his body can withstand it and make sure, from a batting perspective, he still has the ability that he had before the accident," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.
"I really hope that Pant gets back to playing Test cricket, but I feel it is a huge risk if they rush him back."
Dhruv Jurel arrives in Test cricket with style
Dhruv Jurel has quickly become a household name in India's Test cricket scene during the ongoing series against England, showcasing his talent and making a compelling case for his continued selection. On the other hand, Pant has been diligently working towards a return to top-level cricket.
The door for Jurel's entry into the international arena was opened following KS Bharat's struggles with the bat in the initial two Tests of the series. Making his debut in Rajkot, the 23-year-old Jurel made an immediate impact by scoring 46 runs. However, it was in the 4th Test in Ranchi where he truly shone, playing a pivotal role in rescuing the Indian team from a precarious situation.
Jurel shows great composure under immense pressure
With India at 161/5, Jurel's invaluable 90-run effort in the first innings helped narrow England's lead significantly. He continued to impress in the fourth innings chasing 192 runs, forming a crucial 72-run partnership with Shubman Gill, demonstrating poise and maturity beyond his experience.
While Jurel solidifies his position, Rishabh Pant is set to return to competitive cricket as the captain of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. Fans are keenly anticipating Pant's comeback, remembering his key contributions to India's successes abroad before his accident.
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