Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has shed light on India’s playing combination for the two-match Test series against South Africa. Ganguly said it would be interesting to note if India plays in-form Dhruv Jurel after Rishabh Pant has come back into the team.
Jurel had impressed in the two Test matches against the West Indies in the absence of injured Pant as he had scored 175 runs in three innings at an average of 87.50. However, with Pant returning to India’s Test squad, it would be interesting to note India’s playing combination.
Jurel has been in fine form and recently returned with scores of 132 and 127 in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A while playing for India A.
“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically, the spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), and (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… 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. We’ll find out,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Meanwhile, Ganguly highlighted that India has a potent squad and South Africa will have their work cut out in the challenging Indian conditions.
“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, and Pant. They’ve been exceptional. Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jadeja… India are a bundle of talent.”
India has the likes of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav and the spinners are expected to do the bulk of the work.
The opening Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.
