Former India player Aakash Chopra believes that Dhruv Jurel could play ahead of Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul as India’s No.6 batter in the first Test of the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Chopra also praised the wicketkeeper-batter for bailing India A out of a risky situation in the ongoing second unofficial Test against Australia A.
India A were bowled out for 161 in their first innings in Melbourne on Day 1 and Jurel scored 80 runs off 186 deliveries. Australia ended the day with 53 runs with 2 wickets, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed picking up a wicket for the visitors.
In his Youtube Channel, the cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra talked about the game played by the team on first day and Jurel could play at No.6 position in India’s batting lineup ahead of KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. He also talked about how Jurel saved the honor and played well.
“One guy saved the honor a little bit. His name is Dhruv Jurel. He scored 80 runs, hit two sixes, played 186 balls, and gave a semblance of respectability to the score because India could score 161. It seemed at one stage that they would be all out for 80-85. It’s a slightly strange thing but don’t rule it out. We were saying Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul at No.6, Dhruv Jurel might be your No.6.”
Chopra also stated that Jurel might have confirmed his place in the XI for the first test. It won’t make any difference if Rohit is there or not.
“It means you might see another wicketkeeper playing in the XI after Rishabh Pant because this Indian team is repeatedly telling us that they are not averse to change. It could be Dhruv Jurel batting at No.6 at Perth on the 22nd. It doesn’t make a difference whether Rohit is there or not, Dhruv Jurel will play in any case.”
The first Test of the five-match test series between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22. Reports suggest that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma could miss one of the first two tests due to some personal reasons and maybe Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in his absence.