The two-match Test series between India and South Africa ( IND vs SA ) will begin in Kolkata on November 14. The reigning world Test champions, visiting India for the first time since 2019, will be looking to continue their success in the Indian subcontinent, having defeated Bangladesh 2-0 at home last year and drawn the Test series 1-1 with Pakistan in October 2025.

Who is the lucky charm of India?

This success in the Indian subcontinent has instilled confidence in the South African players. However, it will not be easy for South Africa to defeat India on their home soil and win the series. Understanding the importance of this Test series, the Indian players are also eager to win over South Africa. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and company also have a lucky charm player, in whose playing XI, Team India has never lost a match. This player is none other than star wicket-keeper batsman Dhruv Jurel.

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has played seven Test matches for the Indian team so far. Whenever he has been part of the Indian playing XI, the team has never suffered a defeat. Dhruv Jurel made his Test debut for India in the 2024 home Test series against England. In that five-match Test series, Dhruv Jurel played in three matches. India won all three of the matches Jurel played in that series.

Stats of India and Jurel

He played his fourth Test in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth, a match India won by 295 runs. Following an injury to wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, he was selected to play his fifth Test against England at The Oval, where the Indian team also achieved success.

Following this, Rishabh Pant’s injury forced him to play in the two-match Test series against the West Indies, which toured India in February 2025. India defeated the West Indies in both matches and won the Test series 2–0.

Young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel made his Test debut for India against England in Rajkot in February 2024. Since then, he has played seven Tests for India, scoring 430 runs at an average of 47.77. He has scored one Test century.