Dhruv Jurel Makes Strong Case For Selection In India’s Playing XI With 80-Run Knock Against AUS A

Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who hasn’t featured in a Test since Rishabh Pant’s return to international cricket, is making a strong case for selection in India’s playing XI for the first Test against Australia. Jurel scored an impressive 80 runs for India A in the ongoing second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Jurel, who debuted for India on February 15, 2024, in Rajkot, joined the India A squad on November 6, replacing Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. Batting at No. 6 for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side on Day 1, he faced 186 balls, demonstrating patience and skill. While Jurel is unlikely to replace Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper-batter, his performance as a specialist batter makes him a potential candidate for the side. His consistent form has not gone unnoticed, as his IPL team, Rajasthan Royals, retained him for Rs 14 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

In addition to Jurel, KL Rahul was also included in the India A squad for the second unofficial Test, but he managed only four runs from as many deliveries. Rahul opened alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran but was dismissed in the second over by Scott Boland. Rahul, who was excluded from India’s playing XI for the last two Tests in the recent New Zealand series, is competing with Easwaran for the role of opening partner to Yashasvi Jaiswal.

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