The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot will host the third Test of the current five-match series between India and England. Starting on Thursday, February 1, the game will begin. According to a report in the Times of India, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is in line to make his Test debut for India in Rajkot.
During the current five-match Test series against England, young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who was named for the first time, is expected to play in his first Test match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday. The Times of India said that the 23-year-old cricketer will take KS Bharat's place in the Indian playing XI. After Rishabh Pant's tragic road tragedy in December 2022, the 30-year-old Bharat has participated in all six Tests held in India. However, he was ineffective in the first two games.
Dhruv Jurel likely to make his Test debut in Rajkot by replacing KS Bharat. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/gSmWepQSlU
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 12, 2024
It seems like BCCI is not looking to give a further chance to Bharat as he disappointed the board and team in the first two test matches.
Bharat's batting has been well below par, while his 'keeping hasn't been great either. He isn't making use of his chances. Jurel, on the other hand, is talented, has a good attitude, and has a bright future. He has done well for Uttar Pradesh, India A, and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Don't be surprised if Jurel makes his Test debut at Rajkot
~a source told TOI
In 7 Test matches since making his debut for India against Australia in Nagpur on February 9, 2023, Bharat has only managed to score 221 runs. Regarding Jurel, the star of the Rajasthan Royals has scored 790 runs in 15 first-class games thus far.
Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is scheduled to play in Rajkot but may be rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi due to workload management. Bumrah rose to the top of the world rankings for Test bowlers on Wednesday, February 7, after collecting 9 wickets in the second Test against England in Vizag.
He could be rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, which means that he will be fresh and firing for the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala in early March, which could well be the decider of this closely contested series. That's the point where Bumrah's presence will make a difference
~the source said
Earlier Avesh Khan was also taken into consideration in place of Jasprit Bumrah but selectors thought he needs to practice more in the Ranji trophy.
"The idea is to give him game time, which is why he has been asked to go and play for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. He hasn't played in February so far. Akash Deep (his replacement) was picked because he did well for India A," the source informed. "In any case, the two pacers for India at Rajkot will be Bumrah and Siraj" he said
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