NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Dhruv Jurel and praised his phenomenal form ahead of 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!Ashwin in an interview with X wrote: “Dhruv Jurel is making it very difficult for the coach and captain to drop him from the upcoming Test match. Hundreds in both innings of the unofficial Test against SA ‘A’.”The contribution from one of India’s most respected voices in red-ball cricket came after Jurel’s back-to-back centuries in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru, a performance that greatly strengthened his claim for a place in India’s playing XI.Jurel’s unbeaten 132 off 175 balls in the first innings, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, was followed by another commanding second innings hundred of 127 off 170 balls – showcasing not only his temperament but also his ability to build innings under pressure.The 24-year-old from Agra has been one of India’s most consistent players this season. His rise adds an interesting layer to India’s selection conundrum, with Rishabh Pant returning to contention after a long injury layoff. While Pant’s explosiveness makes him a natural match-winner, Jurel’s recent consistency and composure at the crease has sparked debate about the ideal balance for the Indian Test side.Jurel had impressed earlier on the West Indies tour, scoring 175 runs in three innings, including a century, at an average of 87.50 – the only lower-order batter among the top five series winners.As India’s focus shifts to the home series, Ashwin’s support only adds to the growing chorus around Jurel – a young wicketkeeper-batsman who makes it “impossible to drop” by sheer weight of runs.
