Dhruv Jurel‘s gaining fans quickly. More and more people want the wicketkeeper batter to start for Team India in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. Suresh Raina, former Indian cricketer, has also jumped on the bandwagon. After Jurel’s exploits against Australia A, Raina also feels that the keeper could make an entry into the team.
Dhruv Jurel, the perfect replacement for Rohit Sharma?
Weirdly enough, he suggests that Jurel could even open the innings. Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, is expected to miss the Perth Test due to family reasons and that’s where Raina feels Jurel can come in. The 2011 World Cup winner feels that the 23-year-old could prove to be an X-factor.
“KL Rahul has a lot of experience. Not to forget, Dhruv Jurel. You never know, they might ask him to open also. It can happen. The coach has to take the call. Jurel can be the X-factor that India are looking for in Australia. You can try him in the first Test. I know when Rohit Sharma comes back, he will open but why not give a chance to a youngster who has done really well (in the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Melbourne).” Raina told the Times of India.
Jurel’s temperament impressive, KL Rahul’s form an issue
Jurel had rescued India A twice, with the score reading 11/4 and 44/4, respectively. It wasn’t the first time that Jurel had shown grit. He’d done so against England earlier in the year in his debut series. Considering how tough the Australian bowlers and conditions are, the wicketkeeper might be the best option available.
“India A lost four wickets in the first 2-3 overs. The Kookaburra ball stays new (for a while). Jurel showed patience. His defensive technique is very solid. When he played aggressively, he came up with a couple of good shots. I think they should consider him as an opener when Rohit is not there. KL Rahul is also an option, but as you said, he is not in form. That is something Bumrah (stand-in captain for Perth if Rohit is unavailable) will have to think about. As a captain, I think he can take that call.”
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