Ganguly Advocates for Dhruv Jurel's Test Inclusion Against South Africa

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced his opinion that young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel deserves a spot in India’s Test lineup for the series against South Africa, specifically as a batter rather than a wicketkeeper. With the opener set to occur at Eden Gardens, Ganguly feels Jurel’s impressive recent performances warrant consideration, even with first-choice keeper Rishabh Pant returning.

Rishabh Pant has been out of action for several months due to a foot injury but is ready to rejoin the squad for the upcoming Tests. Ganguly acknowledges that Pant's return complicates team dynamics as most batting spots are already claimed. “He’s doing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, and I’m unsure what the selectors have in mind,” Ganguly reflected, acknowledging the complex nature of the roster.

Ganguly proposed that the selectors might explore aligning Jurel at the No. 3 batting position, given the tight competition for spots. “The batting lineup is set — two openers, Shubman Gill at four, Pant at five, with KL Rahul and Jadeja confirmed. Players have consistently performed. I can’t gauge how easy it will be to create a slot for Dhruv Jurel now,” he noted. Ganguly remarked that the decision might pivot on whether to choose Jurel or Sai Sudharsan for the No. 3 role.

At just 23, Dhruv Jurel has been excelling in domestic cricket, notably scoring centuries in both innings against South Africa ‘A’ during an unofficial Test series, leading to India ‘A’ securing a commanding victory in Bengaluru. His success at the crease has caught the eye of selectors and cricket analysts, including Ganguly, who described him as “in form” and ready for significant challenges ahead.

Ganguly expressed firm confidence in India’s dominance at home, noting that the combination of a strong spin attack and a talented batting order makes them formidable. “India has a potent spin attack. And this young team excelled in England three months ago,” he praised players including Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Pant, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jadeja for their consistent performance.

While South Africa has shown commendable form against Pakistan lately, Ganguly asserts that confronting India on their home turf poses a much stiffer challenge. “India in India is an entirely different scenario,” he remarked, emphasizing the significant advantage India has at home, where they’ve hardly lost series in over a decade.

The opening Test between India and South Africa is set to begin at Eden Gardens on November 14, lasting until November 18. The subsequent Test will occur in Guwahati from November 22 to 26.

Post-Test, both nations will transition into the ODI series, kicking off on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6).

The T20I series will commence on December 9 in Cuttack, followed by fixtures in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and concluding in Ahmedabad (December 19).

Ganguly wrapped up by commending the current Indian squad for its depth and versatility. “This team possesses great talent,” he said, highlighting the blend of youth and experience that enhances India’s prowess across all formats. He expressed optimism that selectors would find a pathway for Jurel, whose drive for success and confidence could inject fresh vigor into India’s batting lineup.