Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Dhruv Jurel and backed the wicket-keeper to play purely as a batter after a certain time. Jurel scored a fine knock of 125 runs in the first innings of the opening Test match against the West Indies.
The right-hander added 206 runs with Ravindra Jadeja and played a key role in helping India post 448-5 in the first innings. Ashwin recalled that Jurel played a brilliant knock of 90 runs in the Ranchi Test against England in 2024.
Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “I have no doubt about Dhruv Jurel’s class, because against England, the way he played in Ranchi, those innings alone showed that Dhruv should be playing the next 10 Test matches. But because Rishabh Pant is there, he is able to keep Dhruv Jurel out of the side.”
“So, Dhruv Jurel’s class and pedigree, again, no doubt. Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper for India is also a lock. I think, when we reach a certain stage, Dhruv Jurel will play as a batter for the Indian team as well. His pedigree is that strong,” he added.
On the other hand, Ashwin reckons India will strengthen their spin bowling attack against South Africa. The former all-rounder feels Axar Patel can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the final XI against the Proteas.
“But Axar Patel will play. When South Africa comes, I think there will be a slightly stiffer test. They are WTC champions. They are the holding champions. I think they will pose much higher competition. Still, there are not many spin options with South Africa. In India, if you want to win, you need batting that can play long, and you need spin bowling to stay tight as well. South Africa looks a little short on spin resources.”
“We don’t know how they will bat either. But India is spoiled for choices. There are a lot of all-rounders. If you play Washi, Axar, and Jadeja, you will play Kuldeep as well. Batting will go up to number 10. I think Bumrah will get a rest against South Africa,” he added.
The second Test match between India and the West Indies will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from Friday.
