NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has joined the debate on Dhruva Jurel’s red-hot form and his potential inclusion in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Test series against South Africa starting on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Ganguly praised the young wicketkeeper’s purple patch at an event but admitted that breaking into the settled Indian Test line-up will be a challenge.“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically the slots are filled — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at four, Pant at five, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. The players have performed. How easy it would be to open a slot on this stage, Gelangulyt’v Dhru would say.
No days off as captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir arrive in Kolkata for Test series
“But it depends on who they want to send at number 3 – if they want to go with Sai Sudharsan or bring in our Dhruva form. We’ll find out.”Jurel, 24, grabbed the headlines with back-to-back hundreds against South Africa A in Bengaluru, a compelling case for selection. His remarkable consistency in red-ball cricket – over 1,000 runs in nine matches at an average of over 80 – has made him one of India’s most promising batting talents.
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The former captain also tipped India as overwhelming favorites at home, highlighting the formidable spin attack and the team’s recent form.“Because India’s spin attack is very good. And this young team went to England three months ago and played exceptionally well. It was a fantastic series – outstanding performances from Gill, Yashasvi (Jaiswal), Rahul, Pant. India is a heap of talent,” Ganguly said.The two-match Test series will conclude in Guwahati from November 22-26, followed by a three-match ODI series.With Rishabh Pant back from injury and Jurel in sparkling touch, the Indian selectors now face a joyous headache — a struggle between stability and form.
