The star of Day 2 of the first Test between Team India and the West Indies in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was the wicket-keeper of Team India, Dhruv Jurel. He took his maiden Test Hundred, and made 125 out of 210 balls, contributing to another dominating day of India.
Jurel replaced Rishabh Pant at No. 5, while Devdutt Padikkal dropped out of the playing XI. The right-hander, who had recently scored a century against Australia A, looked comfortable at the crease and built a key fifth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
Khary Pierre eventually dismissed him late in the day, but Jurel made a major statement with his innings before departing. The selectors will surely remember this knock as they plan for future matches.
1. Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan said that Jurel now has a strong chance to secure a middle-order spot, as India is in a transition phase and several positions are open. Until now, Jurel was mainly a backup for Rishabh Pant, but his recent century may force the team management to consider playing both together in the XI.
“Dhruv Jurel putting his case strong going forward to play as a pure batter,” Irfan Pathan posted on X.
2. Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar is convinced that Jurel has a good technique and he is in proper form to be a good candidate to occupy the No.3 position in the Indian Test line-up. Sai Sudharsan has been doing poorly in the first innings and the team is yet to decide on the role of this key position.
“I think when Rishabh Pant is fit, he will automatically come back to the playing XI. But Jurel can still play in the team as a batter. I think there’s a place still open at the moment,” Sunil Gavaskar said during commentary on Star Sports.
“At number 3 maybe, there’s a place over there for him. Because he plays pace well, we’ve seen that so he can bat at three, not taking anything away from Sai Sudharsan. But to be able to have these options is fantastic as far as Indian team is concerned,” he added.
3. Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra heavily lauded the outstanding defensive capability of Jurel, which he believes is a rare quality among the contemporary batters. He particularly emphasized the manner in which Jurel copes with spin bowling, who is patient and technical at the crease.
“Dhruv Jurel, a new star is born. He is doing well consistently wherever he is getting chances. It’s difficult when you are No. 2 and you get a chance only when the first-choice keeper is unavailable. In such a case, it’s difficult to maintain your form consistently. His specialty is the confidence he shows in his defense and the way he defends. Both these things are 10 out of 10 against spin,” Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports.
4. Abhishek Nayar
Abhishek Nayar also praised Jurel who seized his opportunity when he was filling the injured Rishabh Pant. He added that the current century would put pressure on the selectors and the team management in the determination of future lineups.
“Jurel got an opportunity because Rishabh Pant is injured. With control, and with the same rhythm and flow like he started off his innings, he got to his hundred,” Abhishek Nayar said on Star Sports.
“It’s a great opportunity for any player. You got a chance in home conditions when Rishabh Pant got injured, and you know you have to make the most of this opportunity, because when he returns, questions will be asked about whether Dhruv Jurel would play, but after this knock, questions will be asked about where Dhruv Jurel should be played, and you will have to play him,” he added.
5. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh observed that the opposition should not be underestimated in reference to his innings since playing on an international level is always praiseworthy. He pointed out that the century is an expression of Jurel and his ability and nature.
“Because the wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is not available, he (Dhruv Jurel) is playing in his place. And he came and played such solid batting, no matter what the bowling was. But international matches are international matches, and he came and scored 125 runs. His defense was solid, and he played an amazing innings,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.
