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The star wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel burnt bright and single-handedly rescued India A on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Coming to the crease with India A in serious trouble at a precarious 86/5, and later slipping to 126/7, the 24-year-old exhibited remarkable composure and grit. While the rest of the batting unit struggled against the South African attack, Jurel anchored the innings and ultimately guided his side to a fighting total of 255 before getting bowled out.
Dhruv Jurel's Heroic Century Rescues India A
Jurel's unbeaten 132 was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket under pressure. He found vital support in spinner Kuldeep Yadav (20), with the pair stitching together a crucial 79-run partnership for the eighth wicket that stabilized the innings. Jurel displayed complete control against the moving ball, comfortably playing off both the front and back foot. His technical acumen was evident in his ability to play late and take a decisive forward stride against the seamers, neutralizing any late movement from the pitch.
Beginning cautiously with a focus on defense, Jurel gradually shifted gears as his confidence grew. He swiftly punished any loose deliveries, showcasing his command of the innings with precise cuts, drives, and well-timed strokes to anything too short or wide. His careful build-up and smart shot selection paid dividends when he reached his century off 146 balls, confirming his status as the savior of the India A innings on a challenging day in Bengaluru. Jurel completed his heroic effort for India A with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 132 off 175 balls, a score that included 12 boundaries and four sixes against South Africa A in the second unofficial Test. This innings marks his fourth first-class century and further extends his exceptional run of form, which recently included scores of 125, 44, and an unbeaten 6 during the Test series against the West Indies. Jurel’s performance underscored his growing maturity, demonstrating a rare ability to handle immense pressure, rebuild a collapsing innings, and play long, match-defining knocks when his team needs it most.
Tiaan van Vuuren's four-fer breaks India's back
In stark contrast to Jurel's resilience, the rest of the India A top order faltered dramatically. Captain Rishabh Pant was dismissed for just 24 runs, while KL Rahul managed 19. Other key batters struggled severely: Abhimanyu Easwaran was out for a duck, Sai Sudharsan labored for 17 runs off over 50 balls, and Devdutt Padikkal contributed only 5. The collapse was largely enforced by a disciplined South Africa A bowling attack, led brilliantly by Tiaan van Vuuren, who finished with the standout figures of 4 wickets for 52 runs. He received solid support from Tshepo Moreki and Prenelan Subrayen, who chipped in with two wickets apiece, consistently testing the Indian batters throughout Day 1 in Bengaluru.
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