Former India cricketer Chetyeshwar Pujara feels that Dhruv Jurel deserves a place in the side's playing XI for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa that will commence from November 14. He further remarked that the 24-year-old should bat at the No.6 spot, assuming that the top-order will remain the same as what the Men in Blue went for in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.
“Well, firstly, the kind of form he is in, Dhruv Jurel definitely deserves a spot in the playing eleven. I believe that he will bat at number six, that's what I am guessing. So the Indian top order will remain the same as what we saw in England," Pujara said during a media interaction hosted by JioStar.
“It will be KL and Yashasvi (to open), Sai to continue at three, Shubman at four and Rishabh at five. But the number six spot is for grabs, where Karun was batting in England. So currently, I believe that Dhruv Jurel will take that spot and bat at number six," he added.
Ten Doeschate confirmed Jurel's selection
Notably, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate all but confirmed Jurel's inclusion into the playing XI and it is likely that he will be used as a proper batter. He was included in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was recently released from the squad. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant is likely to play as the wicketkeeper.
Pujara also predicted that India will go for a bowling combination of three spinners and two seamers for the first Test as this would see Jurel fit perfectly into the XI.
“Then there will be, depending on the pitch, but most likely it will be three spinners and two seamers. That's how I look at the team combination and that's how Dhruv Jurel fits into this playing eleven. But I definitely believe the kind of form he is in, the way he is batting, it will strengthen the Indian batting lineup,” Pujara stated.
Jurel stars for India A
Meanwhile, Jurel has been in top form when it comes to red-ball cricket. He recently scored twin centuries for India A in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A. Though the team ended up on the losing side, Jurel's performance didn't go unnoticed, leading to him to likely get a place in India's playing XI for the series opener against South Africa.