Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 12: India’s promising young wicket-keeper batter, Dhruv Jurel, is all but confirmed to feature in the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, starting this Friday, according to India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.

Jurel’s inclusion had been a topic of discussion, especially with first-choice wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant returning from injury. Pant had missed the West Indies series earlier this year due to an injury sustained during India’s tour of England. The question on fans’ minds was whether Jurel would still make the XI given Pant’s return.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ten Doeschate clarified that the team management plans to accommodate both Pant and Jurel, with Jurel likely playing as a specialist batter.

“I don’t think you can leave him out of this Test,” Ten Doeschate said. “Given Dhruv’s form over the last six months, including two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he is certain to play. We have options in the middle order with Washy, Jaddu, and Axar, which gives us flexibility to slot both Jurel and Pant in the team. I’ll be very surprised if we don’t see Dhruv play in this Test.”

Jurel’s consistent performances in recent domestic and India A matches have earned him this opportunity, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the young talent performs on one of cricket’s grandest stages at Eden Gardens.

The first Test promises to be an exciting encounter as India aims to assert dominance at home against a strong South African side.