India faces the challenge of selecting a playing XI ahead of their first Test against World Test Championship champions South Africa on November 14. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, who have recently performed well, are both contending for the wicketkeeper-batsman’s spot.
A suggestion from Aakash Chopra
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir should be included in the playing XI. Pant has made a brilliant comeback from injury, while Jurel has also scored centuries against the West Indies and South Africa A. He also named a player who could be dropped from the playing XI. Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube channel that both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant are in the squad. Rishabh Pant is certain to play, as he is the vice-captain. He will, and should, play. However, I believe Dhruv Jurel should also be included.
Chopra added that a place should be made for him in the playing eleven. Chopra further said that the question will be whether you will settle with Sai Sudarshan at the top or Nitish Kumar Reddy at the bottom. Recommending a possible combination, Chopra advised the team management led by Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir to retain Sai Sudarshan at number three and drop all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Nitish Kumar Reddy to be dropped?
He said, “I think Sai Sudarshan should be allowed to play at number three. Nitish Kumar Reddy hasn’t been able to do his job properly yet. So you could leave him out and keep Dhruv Jurel there, as Jurel’s recent form further strengthens his case.”
Jurel scored 125 in the first Test against the West Indies in October and followed it up with an unbeaten 132 for India A against South Africa A. Given Nitish Reddy’s limited bowling contributions in domestic cricket , Jurel could get a chance as a specialist batsman.