Cheteshwar Pujara believes Dhruv Jurel is ready to take over the No.6 batting position for India in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens starting on Friday, November 14. With the team preparing to arrive in South Africa, Pujara feels an undeniable reason for selection.
India’s top order, which has shown stability and consistency since the England tour, should remain unchanged, according to Pujara. Expect KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to continue their established opening partnership, with Sai Sudharsan at No.3Shubman Gill at No. 4 and Rishabh Pant at No. 5. The five, he feels, have already laid a solid foundation and need to continue the streak.
“First, with the kind of form it’s in, Dhruv Jurel definitely deserves a place in the playing XIsaid Pujara during a media interaction organized by JioStar on the eve of the Test. Jurel enjoyed a breakthrough run with the bat, showing maturity, poise and a willingness to take responsibility in pressure situations. These qualities, along with technical improvement, impressed the Indian think-tank and former players alike.
Pujara, who has played 103 Tests for India, sees the vacant No.6 slot as a natural slot for Jurel to step into. “I believe he will bat at six, that’s my guess,” he said. With Karun Nair occupying the position in England, the vacancy provides an opportunity for India to inject new energy into the middle order.
Apart from batting, Pujara also offered his view on India’s likely bowling combination. He expects the conditions in Kolkata to be conducive to a blistering attack. “Depending on the pitch, India will most likely play with three all-rounders and two seamers. That’s how I see the team combination and how Jurel fits into the XI,” he explained.
He concluded by emphasizing the value Jurel brings to the setup at this stage of his career. “With the form he is in and the way he is batting, he will definitely strengthen the Indian line-up,” said Pujara, who is confident the youngster’s inclusion will add depth and balance to India’s bid to start the series strongly.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 13, 2025
