Cheteshwar Pujara backs young wicket‑keeper‑batter Dhruv Jurel for the injury‑free first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. During the pre‑match press conference, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Jurel’s place in the line‑up, saying he could bat at number six.
Pujara added that Jurel’s recent form makes him a natural choice. “He belongs in the XI,” he said to . “I’d slot him at six, keeping the top order the same we saw in England.” He sketched the line‑up as KL Nathuji and Yashasvi Vijaynathan opening, Sai Singh at three, Shubman Gadkar at four and Rishabh Pant at five. The sixth spot is open, and Pujara believes Jurel will take it.
India’s captain and batting plans remain unchanged. “I like the look of a three‑spinner plus two‑seamer combination, depending on how the pitch behaves,” Pujara said. “Jurel’s steady batting will strengthen the middle order.”
Jurel has been on a roll this week. He scored his maiden Test century against the West Indies on a green‑top in Ahmedabad last month. He then smashed twin hundreds in the second red‑ball match for India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru. A quick 82‑run partnership with Pant in that game, capped off in just 54 balls, showed the duo’s potential as a lively wicket‑keeper‑batsman steady.
The pitch question at Eden Gardens is on extra swing. India have brought in pacer Akash Deep, who played two Ranji Trophy games at the venue last month. He performed well after a back injury, and Pujara praised his ability to swing and “pitch up” in overseas conditions. “He can keep the new ball moving,” Pujara noted. “If India keeps the two seamers, he might be in the XI. If they go with just two seamers, he may miss out.”
Beyond his bowling, Deep can deliver reverse swing off an old ball—an asset on the black soil of Kolkata. “He’s very effective from day one,” Pujara added. ‘He brings energy and hard work every time he runs in.’ He showed that big talent in domestic and international cricket alike, and Pujara sees a bright future for him.
India’s squad has also dropped all‑rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to make room for Jurel and Pant. The team is set to trial its best XI against South Africa on Friday, with the match starting at 9:30 AM IST. Fans can watch the live action on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
