Ganguly's Bold Call: Jurel Deserves Test Spot as Pure Batter
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, suggesting he should be included in the playing eleven for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Ganguly's endorsement comes after Jurel's spectacular performance for India A, where he scored centuries in both innings against South Africa A in the second unofficial Test that concluded in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The Selection Conundrum: Where Does Jurel Fit?
With first-choice wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant set to make his international comeback after recovering from a foot fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July, Ganguly proposed an innovative solution. He wondered if Jurel could be utilized as a specialist No. 3 batter, given his current red-hot form.
"He's playing well, isn't he? Rishabh is back and I don't know what the selectors are thinking," Ganguly stated, highlighting the selection challenge. "Basically, the spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn't know."
The former skipper pointed out that the decision ultimately rests on who the team management prefers for the crucial number three position, creating a direct competition between Jurel and Sai Sudharsan. "But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 — whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan, or bring in our in-form Dhruv in. We'll find out," Ganguly added.
India Firm Favorites at Home, Says Ganguly
Looking ahead to the series against the Proteas, Ganguly tipped India as overwhelming favorites, primarily due to their potent spin attack and the confidence gained from a successful tour of England three months prior.
"Because India's spin attack is very good. And this young team went to England three months ago and played exceptionally well. It was a fantastic series to watch — exceptional performances by Gill, Yashasvi (Jaiswal), Rahul, Pant. They've been exceptional. Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jadeja… India are a bundle of talent," he elaborated.
While acknowledging South Africa's recent good form in Pakistan, Ganguly emphasized that playing India in their home conditions presents a completely different challenge. "South Africa, I know they've played well in Pakistan. But India in India are a different kettle of fish. They'll have to play really, really well to compete with India," he asserted.
Series Schedule and Format
The much-anticipated Test series is set to commence at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, with the match concluding on November 18. The action will then shift to Guwahati for the second Test, scheduled from November 22 to November 26.
Following the two-Test series, the teams will engage in a limited-overs leg. The ODI series comprises three matches:
- First ODI in Ranchi on November 30
- Second ODI in Raipur on December 3
- Third ODI in Visakhapatnam on December 6
The tour will conclude with a five-match T20I series:
- First T20I in Cuttack on December 9
- Second T20I in New Chandigarh on December 11
- Third T20I in Dharamsala on December 14
- Fourth T20I in Lucknow on December 17
- Fifth T20I in Ahmedabad on December 19
As the Indian selectors deliberate on the final composition of the Test squad, the case for Dhruv Jurel's inclusion, bolstered by Ganguly's strong backing and his own undeniable form, adds an intriguing layer to the team selection dynamics ahead of the home season.
