An in-form Dhruv Jurel has made himself un-ignorable with century after century in red-ball cricket. On November 12, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that Jurel will retain his place in the side despite fit-again Rishabh Pant’s return.
“I don't think you can leave him out of this Test. Someone will have to miss out. That's a simple answer. He is certain to play this week. I'll be surprised if we don't see Dhruv and Rishabh play together,” Ten Doeschate told the reporters ahead of the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
With Jurel and Pant playing together, the team management will leave out pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder recently recovered from a quadriceps injury suffered on Australia tour. While the team wants him to play home Tests as well, he will warm the bench for the series opener.
“Our position hasn't changed on Nitish. He didn't get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he'll miss out from the XI this week,” the former Netherlands cricketer said.
Reddy underused in West Indies Test series
Reddy was underused in the two-Test series against West Indies. He did not get to bat in the Ahmedabad Test and bowled just four overs. In the Delhi Test, he was promoted up the order and scored 43 runs. He did not get to bowl a single over in Delhi Test despite a big partnership between John Campbell and Shai Hope.
More pace in Kolkata Test or India stick with spinners?
If India make just one change from the side that played against Roston Chase' West Indies, it will be Pant replacing Reddy. While there is assistance for pace in Kolkata, it will be interesting to see whether local boy Akash Deep finds a place in the side.