Dhruv Jurel’s name has been buzzing in Indian cricket circles for months, and it’s easy to see why. With every opportunity, the young wicketkeeper-batter has grabbed the spotlight, delivering under pressure and making a compelling case for a permanent spot in the national Test side. As India prepares for a high-stakes Test series against South Africa, the debate rages: should Jurel feature in the playing XI alongside the fit-again Rishabh Pant?
Let’s take a closer look at Jurel’s remarkable journey through 2025—one that’s been defined by grit, consistency, and a knack for rescuing his team from the brink. It’s not every day that a player draws comparisons to MS Dhoni, but Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince words during commentary in Ranchi last year: “Watching the presence of mind of Dhruv Jurel makes me think he’s the next MS Dhoni in the making.” That’s some high praise, and Jurel’s performances since have only strengthened that sentiment.
Jurel’s story this year is a tapestry of crucial knocks, starting with the India A tour of Australia. In the second unofficial Test at Melbourne, India A were reeling at 11 for 4 against a hostile Australian attack. Enter Jurel. He dug in for a gritty 80 off 186 balls, single-handedly steering the team to 161. The Australians responded with 223, but India A’s woes weren’t over. The second innings saw them at 56 for 5, and once again, Jurel stood tall, compiling a fighting 68 off 122 balls. His consistency in tough overseas conditions didn’t go unnoticed.
The tour of England was next, and Jurel’s bat stayed hot. At Canterbury, he hammered 94 off 120 balls as India A piled up 554 runs. He followed that up with a rapid 53 off 53 balls in the second innings. The next match saw him add 52 and 28 to his tally, further cementing his reputation as a dependable middle-order presence. Daren Ganga, on commentary, summed up the cricketing world’s admiration: “He’s shown that he’s capable of playing in this Indian side as a pure batter. The manner in which he’s constructed his innings—his temperament, concentration, and proficiency against both spin and pace—really stand out.”
September brought the Australia A tour of India, and Jurel made sure to leave his mark at home. In Lucknow, he notched up a superb 140 in the first innings, sharing a mammoth 228-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal. The match ended in a draw, but Jurel’s dominance was clear. The next game saw him contribute a brisk 56 off 66 balls in the second innings, showing his ability to adapt and accelerate when needed.
But perhaps the most telling chapter unfolded in the ongoing South Africa A series. With Rishabh Pant returning to the India A setup after a lengthy injury layoff, Jurel sat out the first unofficial Test. Yet, when his chance came in the second match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he seized it with both hands. India A were tottering at 126 for 7, the top order blown away by South Africa A’s disciplined attack. Jurel, unfazed, crafted an unbeaten 132 off 175 balls. What made the knock even more special? No other batter crossed 25. He found an able partner in Kuldeep Yadav, and together they stitched a crucial 79-run stand, frustrating the visitors and lifting India A to a competitive 255. Once again, Jurel’s composure under fire drew comparisons to Dhoni, and fans wondered if the selectors could afford to leave him out of the senior side.
All this comes as India’s Test squad for the South Africa series is finalized. Rishabh Pant, now fully recovered from the foot injury that sidelined him since July, returns as vice-captain—a role he last held before his ill-fated attempt to reverse-sweep Chris Woakes in Manchester. Pant’s comeback has been impressive, with a match-winning 90 in the second innings for India A against South Africa A. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have named a 15-member squad that also features Akash Deep as a new addition. Notably, Prasidh Krishna and N Jagadeesan miss out, while Jurel is retained as the second wicketkeeper.
So, what does this mean for Jurel’s immediate future? He has kept wickets in Pant’s absence, both during the West Indies series and the England tour. In the West Indies, he scored his maiden Test hundred and tallied 175 runs in three innings, further underlining his credentials. But with Pant likely to bat at No. 5 and keep wickets, Jurel’s spot seems uncertain—unless the team management opts for an extra specialist batter to deepen the lineup.
It’s a dilemma that reflects India’s evolving approach. Under Gautam Gambhir’s guidance, there’s been a clear emphasis on extending the batting order. While experiments with all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy have had mixed results, there’s a growing argument that a proven batter like Jurel offers more value. After all, he’s racked up three first-class hundreds in the last three months, showing he’s in the form of his life.
Jurel’s versatility is his biggest asset. He’s shown he can shepherd the tail, anchor an innings, or even bat higher up if needed. His adaptability in different conditions—be it the seaming tracks of England, the bouncy pitches of Australia, or the spin-friendly surfaces at home—makes him a dream option for selectors. And let’s not forget his temperament. Whether it’s a rescue act with the tail or a counterattacking cameo, Jurel rarely looks flustered. He rotates the strike, picks his moments, and can shift gears with ease.
But as the first Test against South Africa looms at Eden Gardens on November 14, followed by the second at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22, the big question remains: can India find room for both Pant and Jurel? Or will Jurel have to bide his time, waiting for another opening?
There’s a sense among fans and pundits alike that India might be under-utilizing one of their most adaptable young talents. With specialists like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sai Sudharsan forming the top order, and all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel offering depth, the temptation to stick with a tried-and-tested formula is strong. But cricket, as history shows, often rewards bold decisions. Jurel’s recent exploits suggest he’s more than just Pant’s understudy—he’s a match-winner in his own right.
As the home season kicks off and the eyes of the cricketing world turn to Kolkata, the selectors’ dilemma is a welcome one. After all, having two in-form wicketkeeper-batters vying for a spot is a luxury most teams can only dream of. Whatever the final XI, one thing’s for sure: Dhruv Jurel’s name will be in the conversation for a long time to come.
