Team India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel is likely to find a place in the playing XI for the upcoming first Test of the five-match series against Australia in Perth. As per the latest news, Dhruv Jurel will be backed by the team management after his impressive performances for India A against Australia A.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series between India and Australia will begin on November 22. The first test will take place at Perth’s Optus Stadium. However, there is still no confirmation on the team combination for the first match of the series, even though the match is just a few days away.
Dhruv Jurel scored consecutive fifty goals against Australia A at the MCG
Dhruv Jurel, along with KL Rahul, joined the India A team for the unofficial second Test against Australia A in preparation for the much-awaited Test series. Jurel was part of the match against Australia A at the MCG and made an impact with the bat in both innings of the match in Australian conditions.
The wicketkeeper-batsman registered consecutive fifties in the two innings of the match. He played a brilliant 80 runs off 186 balls as he reached 11-4 in the first innings. Jurel then scored 68 runs off 122 balls in the second innings. The 23-year-old also received praise from former Australia captain Tim Paine.
Dhruv Jurel is likely to bat at number 6 in the upcoming Perth Test match
According to RevSportz, the team management has decided to include Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the upcoming Test, following his strong performances against Australia A. Jurel is expected to bat at number 6. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill absent , the team’s top order remains uncertain.
Rishabh Pant will be India’s wicketkeeper and Jurel is expected to be included as a middle-order batsman. Before the India A series against Australia A, Jurel scored 93 runs for the rest of India in the Iran Cup against Mumbai. Jurel has taken advantage of every opportunity he has been given in his limited career.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to miss Perth Test in BGT 2024-25
The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer made his debut against England in Rajkot. He scored 46 runs, showing composure under pressure. In his second Test against England in Ranchi, the right-handed batsman recorded scores of 90 runs and 39*, winning the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his batting efforts.
With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, India’s top order is uncertain. If KL Rahul opens with Yashasvi Jaiswal, the team will need someone at number 3, with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal being potential options. Virat Kohli could be considered, but he has had success at number 4.
Ajinkya Rahane took over as captain in 2020-21 when Virat Kohli left the tour. Rahane led India to success with wins in two of the last three Tests. Now, head coach Gautam Gambhir will take up this challenge as the team prepares for the Border-Gavaskar series.
Also Read: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant’s future predicted by Sourav Ganguly ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25