Aakash Chopra reveals reason for Dhruv Jurel’s selection in five-match T20I series against England

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has revealed that Dhruv Jurel has been picked for England T20Is as the hosts wanted a second wicket-keeper in the squad. The reputed commentator also highlighted that Jurel has been selected on his potential even though he doesn’t have great numbers but noted the sample size is small.

Jurel played in place of Rinku Singh in the second T20I against England at Chennai but could not grab his chance with both hands as managed only four runs when the team was chasing 166.

The right-hander has scored 10 runs in two T20I innings whereas he has scored 347 runs in 27 IPL matches at an average of 23.13.

“Dhruv Jurel has been picked because you need a second wicketkeeper in the team. It’s a five-match series, so you really want a second keeper. He has been picked because of one word, and that is potential. I don’t mind it,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

The renowned commentator feels it is imperative for the selectors to back potential while picking players.

“Questions might be asked many times by comparing players’ performances. However, in the end, as a selector, you need to see the potential. You need to take a brave call at times, for which you might be criticized occasionally,” he observed.

Chopra recalled how Jurel played a match-winning knock in the Ranchi Test against England when India had their backs against the wall.

“Remember, this was the same Dhruv Jurel who gave a Player of the Match performance in the Ranchi Test, and he played like wow. He is a very decent batter. There is no doubt that he doesn’t have the numbers as of now. If you check his T20 numbers, whether it’s the IPL or SMAT, they are not great numbers,” he said in the same video.

“However, the selection is done by looking beyond the numbers at times, and I am okay with it. If the selection had to be done only based on numbers, you won’t get a better statistician than Mohandas Menon, he could have picked the entire team. You appoint Test cricketers like Ajit Agarkar and company so that they take a slight gut call based on potential,” Chopra elaborated.

The third T20I between India and England will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot on Tuesday.