IND vs ZIM: Dhruv Jurel or Jitesh Sharma, who'll be India's wicketkeeper in Sanju Samson's absence?

The upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe sees India making significant changes to its squad. With Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal out for the first two matches, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana were called into the squad as their replacements.

With Veteran Sanju Samson’s absence, the primary question in the minds of the fans is: Who will wear the wicketkeeper gloves in Samson’s absence—Dhruv Jurel or Jitesh Sharma?

Dhruv Jurel: The Emerging Talent

Dhruv Jurel, despite his limited opportunities in the IPL due to Sanju Samson’s dominance as the primary wicketkeeper for Rajasthan Royals, has shown glimpses of his potential. His statistics in T20 cricket, though not extensive are impressive. He has also shown exceptional skills in the test series against England, as he proved himself on the big stage.

In IPL 2024, Jurel played 14 matches but was primarily utilised in the lower order, managing to score 195 runs, including two half-centuries. His opportunities with the bat were few and far between, which makes his strike rate and ability to score crucial runs in limited chances given.

Jitesh Sharma: The Experienced Campaigner

Jitesh Sharma brings a wealth of experience, as he has already played a few matches for the nation.

Sharma’s recent IPL season with Punjab Kings was challenging, where he managed only 187 runs in 14 matches. Despite this rough patch, his experience and previous performances cannot be overlooked. His role as the primary wicketkeeper for Punjab Kings gives him an edge in terms of experience behind the stumps.

Player	Mat	Runs	SR	50s/100s
Dhruv Jurel	38	439	137.61	2/0
Jitesh Sharma	120	2490	147.90	1/10

The Comparison

Both players bring unique strengths to the table. Dhruv Jurel is younger and has shown promise with limited opportunities. His agility and quick reflexes make him a strong contender for the wicketkeeper role. However, his lack of extensive experience compared to Jitesh Sharma could be a factor the team management might consider.

Jitesh Sharma, although having faced a tough IPL season, has a more substantial body of work in T20 cricket. His experience and consistent performance over the years provide a sense of reliability. Additionally, Sharma’s familiarity with keeping wickets in high-pressure situations in the IPL could be invaluable for India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Current Form: While both have had their ups and downs, Jurel’s recent performance with the bat might be a more positive indicator.
Experience: Jitesh Sharma’s extensive experience and past performances make him a dependable choice.
Team Balance: The team management might also consider the overall balance of the side and how each player fits into the batting order.

Likely Choice

Given the need for experience and the ability to handle pressure situations, Jitesh Sharma seems to have a slight edge over Dhruv Jurel. His proven track record as a wicketkeeper-batter in the T20 format and his familiarity with the dynamics of International T20 cricket could make him the preferred choice.

However, the decision could ultimately come down to the team management’s strategy for the series. If they aim to provide young talent like Jurel with exposure and experience, he might get the nod. Regardless of the choice, both players bring valuable skills to the team, promising an exciting contest in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Cricket Dhruv Jurel Jitesh Sharma