Young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel receives surprise maiden India call-up for first 2 Tests against England
INDORE: In a surprising turn of events, Dhruv Jurel, a young wicketkeeper who plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and impressed during the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals, has received his first-ever call-up to the Indian cricket team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 16-man squad for the first two Tests against England late on Friday night, including three wicketkeepers – KL Rahul, KS Bharat, and Jurel. Notably, Ishan Kishan, who was not included in the ongoing three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, continues to stay out of the squad.
Jurel’s inclusion comes as a surprise to many, as he has showcased his skills in the domestic circuit with impressive performances. In 15 first-class matches, he has scored 790 runs at an average of 46.47, with one century and five fifties, and a highest score of 249.
Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Shami remains sidelined due to injury. Taking his place is Avesh Khan, who was previously called up for the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
The first Test between India and England is scheduled to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad.
Here is the squad for the first two Tests against England:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), Avesh Khan.
This unexpected call-up for Dhruv Jurel highlights the selectors’ willingness to take chances with young talent. It is a testament to Jurel’s performances in domestic cricket and his display in the IPL that earned him a spot in the national team. The omission of Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, continues to raise eyebrows, especially considering the inclusion of three wicketkeepers in the squad.
With experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah leading the side, India will enter the Test series against England with a strong and well-rounded team. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury is a setback for the team’s pace attack. Nonetheless, Avesh Khan’s inclusion provides an opportunity for him to prove his worth at the international level.
As fans eagerly await the start of the series, all eyes will be on the young talents like Jurel, Gill, and Siraj, who have the chance to make a name for themselves on the grand stage. The Test series promises to be an intense battle between two formidable cricketing nations and will undoubtedly captivate fans around the globe.
The inclusion of Dhruv Jurel in the squad serves as an inspiration to young cricketers across the nation, demonstrating that hard work, talent, and consistent performances can lead to unexpected opportunities at the highest level of the sport. Jurel’s journey from domestic cricket to the Indian Test team is a testament to the talent pool in India and the potential for further growth and success in the future.
As the first Test approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed clashes between India and England, hoping for a thrilling series that showcases the best of both teams.
