Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly wants an in-form Dhruv Jurel to be part of the playing eleven for first Test of the series against South Africa. Jurel who took up wicketkeeping duties in the absence of an injured Rishabh Pant, has slammed four centuries in last five red-ball appearances, including a Test ton against West Indies. While X-factor Pant walks into the side straightaway, Ganguly wants a place for Jurel in the side at the expense of Sai Sudharsan. The former opener does not mind where Jurel bats as long as he is not on the bench.
“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically, the spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 — whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan, or bring in our in-form Dhruv in. We’ll find out,” said Ganguly ahead of the first Test of the series at Eden Gardens, starting on November 14.
Jurel’s recent red-ball form and Test numbers
Jurel registered scores of 19 and 34 in his only Test on England tour. Then, he scored a century against Australia A in Lucknow, following it up with a half-century in the second unofficial Test. As Pant was yet to regain fitness, he scored a century in Ahmedabad Test against Roston Chase-led West Indies. In the second unofficial Test against South Africa, he registered scores of unbeaten 132 and 127 in a losing cause. So far, the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has played seven Tests and scored 430 runs at an average of 47.70.
Sudharsan struggles vs South Africa A
On the other hand, Sudharsan has got the backing of captain, head coach and team management. He scored a century against Australia A as well. Against West Indies, he scored 87 in the second Test, his highest score in Tests so far. However, he failed to cross the fifty-run mark against South Africa A. He played both games and scored 84 runs from four innings. After five Tests, his average is just over 30. He has scored two half-centuries in nine innings.