Ashwin Backs Dhruv Jurel for Test Spot After Twin Centuries
When a legend like Ravichandran Ashwin speaks, selectors listen. And his latest endorsement carries serious weight: “He’s making it impossible to ignore him,” Ashwin said in a recent interview, referring to the sensational form of Dhruv Jurel . The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has lit up the India A vs South Africa A series with back-to-back centuries—132 and an unbeaten 127—on pitches that mimic Test conditions. Now, with the senior squad preparing for a tough away series against the Proteas, Jurel’s case for a debut has gone from compelling to undeniable.
Table of Contents
- Dhruv Jurel’s Dominant India A Performance
- R Ashwin’s Endorsement: Why It Matters
- The Current India Test Wicketkeeping Quandary
- Comparing Jurel to KS Bharat and Pant
- Selection Dilemma: Who Makes Way?
- Historical Precedents for Keeper-Batters in South Africa
Dhruv Jurel’s Dominant India A Performance
In the high-stakes India A tour of South Africa, Dhruv Jurel didn’t just show up—he owned the series. Across two four-day matches, he scored 132 in the first game and followed it with an unbeaten 127 in the second, both on bouncy, seam-friendly tracks in Pretoria and Johannesburg .
What stood out wasn’t just the runs, but how he scored them: calm against short balls, decisive against spin, and technically sound under pressure. His stance is compact, his footwork quick, and his glovework sharp—traits that scream “Test-ready.” As one BCCI scout noted anonymously: “He’s not playing like a prospect. He’s playing like a No. 6 who’s been there for years.”
R Ashwin’s Endorsement: Why It Matters
Ashwin isn’t just any commentator. As a senior Test player with 500+ wickets and a seat at the table during team discussions, his opinion carries institutional weight. His phrase—“making it impossible”—isn’t casual praise; it’s a public nudge to the selection committee .
Historically, when Ashwin backs a player (like Jadeja in 2012 or Gill in 2021), that player often gets a chance soon after. His reasoning is always technical: “Jurel reads length early, doesn’t panic against bounce, and his keeping lets the quicks bowl fuller. That’s gold in South Africa.”
The Current India Test Wicketkeeping Quandary
India’s Test setup has been in limbo since Rishabh Pant’s comeback. While Pant is now playing purely as a batter, KS Bharat handles the gloves—but his batting average of 22.3 in 14 Tests remains a liability, especially overseas .
Enter Jurel: a genuine No. 6/7 batter who can also keep elite standards. His first-class average of 49.2 and strike rate of 58 make him a functional fit—exactly what India needs on South African pitches that reward resilience over flamboyance.
Comparing Jurel to KS Bharat and Pant
A quick comparison shows why Jurel stands out:
- KS Bharat (Tests): Avg 22.3, 1 century in 24 innings, safe but limited with bat
- Rishabh Pant (as batter, 2025): Avg 34.1, inconsistent against short balls
- Dhruv Jurel (First-Class): Avg 49.2, 7 centuries in 32 matches, excellent vs pace
More importantly, Jurel offers tactical flexibility—India could play five bowlers or rest a specialist batter without weakening the lineup.
Selection Dilemma: Who Makes Way?
If Jurel is picked, someone must be dropped. Likely candidates:
- KS Bharat: Most probable, given his batting struggles
- Shubman Gill: If India opts for a keeper-batter at No. 5/6, Gill’s spot could be at risk
- A middle-order all-rounder: If Jurel keeps, Washington Sundar or Axar Patel might be benched
Chief selector Gautam Gambhir has already signaled openness to change, telling reporters: “Form must be rewarded, especially before overseas tours” .
Historical Precedents for Keeper-Batters in South Africa
India’s past struggles in South Africa often stemmed from fragile lower orders. In 2018 and 2021, the No. 7 spot averaged under 18. Contrast that with South Africa’s use of Quinton de Kock—a keeper who regularly scored 50+—and the gap is clear.
As the ESPNcricinfo archives show, “Teams that succeed in South Africa have depth from No. 1 to No. 8. Jurel provides that.”
Final Thoughts
Dhruv Jurel isn’t asking for a handout—he’s demanding selection with the bat. Backed by Ashwin’s powerful endorsement and armed with twin centuries on foreign soil, he’s turned a selection debate into a near-certainty. With the first Test in Centurion just weeks away, dropping him would be a gamble India can’t afford. As Ashwin implied: ignoring this form isn’t just risky—it’s impossible.