Cricket

Dhruv Jurel's impressive performance in the unofficial Test between India 'A' and Australia 'A' has sparked calls for his inclusion in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).Jurel, who arrived in Australia early with KL Rahul for match practice, showcased his batting prowess with scores of 80 and 68. His ability to handle the pace and bounce of the Australian bowlers, which can be challenging for Indian batsmen, has caught the attention of former Australia captain Tim Paine.Paine, who coached Australia 'A' in the match, was particularly impressed with Jurel's 80 off 186 balls in the first innings. "I don't know if you saw much of the highlights, but after seeing him bat – even though he's a wicket-keeper, from what I've seen on this tour and from India's batting in the last couple of months, I'd be staggered if he doesn't play," Paine said.Jurel's current role in the Indian squad is as a backup wicketkeeper for Rishabh Pant. However, with captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the Perth Test and KL Rahul struggling for form, head coach Gautam Gambhir may consider using Jurel as a specialist batsman."He's 23 and he's played three Test matches, but he looked a class above all of his teammates, to be fair, and handled the pace and bounce really well, which can be unusual for an Indian player," Paine added.Jurel's Test debut came against England earlier this year, where he impressed with a 46-run knock in Rajkot. He came close to scoring a century in the next match at Ranchi, where he made 90. In his three-Test career, Jurel has aggregated 190 runs in four innings at an average of 63.33.With his strong showing in Melbourne, Jurel has made a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian Test team for the BGT. His ability to bat in different positions and handle the Australian conditions could prove invaluable for India.

Amidst India's batting struggles, two wicketkeeper-batsmen, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, have emerged as beacons of hope. Samson's blistering 107 in the T20I opener against South Africa and Jurel's twin half-centuries in the India A match against Australia A have showcased their exceptional talent.Both players share a common bond with Rajasthan Royals, where Samson serves as captain and Jurel was retained for a hefty sum. Their success can be attributed to the extensive training they receive at the Royals' training center in Talegaon under the guidance of high-performance director Zubin Bharucha.Bharucha emphasizes the importance of high variability in their training regimen. "We try to cover high variability in our preparation," he says. This approach has prepared Jurel for the challenging conditions at the MCG, where he thrived despite the thick grass cover.The Royals also played a crucial role in preparing Samson for the bouncy pitches in South Africa. Bharucha reveals that they had a two-day session with Samson in Dubai, where the pitches are more similar to those in South Africa.Bharucha praises the Royals' commitment to player development, highlighting their investment in Samson's preparation for the South Africa tour. "They flew the bowlers and me from India to Dubai for Samson's practice sessions," he says.The Royals' philosophy is to transform the space between success and failure into a freedom of opportunity for their players. By providing an environment based on high variability and meticulous preparation, they aim to empower their players to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

KL Rahul's poor form in Test cricket has raised concerns ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, Dhruv Jurel has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the playing XI after his impressive performances for India A in the unofficial Test series against Australia A.Rahul, who was sent to Australia early to gain some match practice, failed to impress in the second match, scoring only 4 and 10. In contrast, Jurel grabbed his opportunities with both hands, scoring 80 and 68 in the two innings. He was India A's top-scoring batter in both innings, making a strong case for his inclusion in the senior team.Jurel's batting was not the only aspect that impressed. He also showed good skills behind the gloves, taking a remarkable catch of Jimmy Peirson off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna. However, it is unlikely that he will replace Rishabh Pant as the wicket-keeper for the first Test in Perth.Jurel is expected to play as a pure batter in the first Test. His temperament and ability to perform under pressure, especially in his first time playing in Australia, have earned him praise from experts.Prasidh Krishna was another standout performer for India A. He claimed 2 and 4 wickets in the two innings respectively and also contributed with the bat, scoring 14 and 29. His all-round performance has also put him in contention for a spot in the Perth Test playing XI.Overall, the second unofficial Test against Australia A has provided some positive signs for India. Jurel and Krishna have shown that they are capable of performing at the highest level, and they will be hoping to continue their good form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia A emerged victorious in the second unofficial Test against India A at the MCG, securing a 2-0 series win. The match witnessed a thrilling run chase, with Sam Konstas and Beau Webster guiding Australia A to a six-wicket triumph.India A, resuming on 123/6, were bolstered by Dhruv Jurel's second half-century of the match (68) and Prasidh Krishna's 29. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tanush Kotian also contributed, ensuring Australia A faced a challenging chase of 168.However, Australia A's chase got off to a disastrous start as Prasidh struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft for ducks. Nathan McSweeney's 25 further dented their hopes, leaving them reeling at 73/4.Enter Sam Konstas, who showcased his composure and batting prowess. The 19-year-old remained resolute in defense and gradually expanded his game, hitting boundaries off Prasidh and Kotian. He formed an unbeaten 96-run partnership with Beau Webster (46*), guiding Australia A to victory.Earlier, Jurel had been the cornerstone of India A's batting, sharing a crucial 94-run stand with Reddy. However, his dismissal to Corey Rocchiccioli opened the door for the tail, which added 67 runs. Kotian and Prasidh frustrated the bowlers with a 49-run partnership, but Konstas' sensational diving catch at deep midwicket ended Prasidh's innings.Rocchiccioli wrapped up the innings with his fourth wicket, leaving Australia A with a tricky chase. Konstas and Webster rose to the occasion, guiding their team to victory with an unbeaten 96-run stand.

Dhruv Jurel's Gritty Half-Century Rescues India A in Second Unofficial TestAt the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel once again showcased his impressive form in the ongoing second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A. Jurel's crucial knock of 68 off 122 balls helped India A post a challenging target of 168 for Australia A.After trailing by 62 runs in the first innings, India A's top-order faltered in their second innings, losing half of their side for a mere 56 runs. However, Jurel, the 23-year-old keeper-batter, stood firm, anchoring the innings with a composed half-century.Jurel's resilience and determination were evident as he forged a crucial 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Nitish Reddy, who contributed 38 runs. This partnership stabilized India A's innings and gave them a much-needed boost.Jurel's back-to-back fifties have been a timely reminder of his excellent form ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on November 22. His contributions with the bat have been vital in what has been a low-scoring contest dominated by the bowlers at the MCG.The lower-order batters also stepped up in the second innings, with Tanush Kotian adding a valuable 44 and Prasidh Krishna chipping in with 29 to push India A's total past the 200-run mark. Their efforts ensured that India A set Australia A a competitive target of 168, which could prove difficult to chase on a pitch where bowlers have held the upper hand throughout the game.Jurel's gritty performance has not only rescued India A in this match but has also highlighted his potential as a reliable batsman in the upcoming Test series against Australia. His ability to play under pressure and contribute with the bat will be crucial for India's success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Dhruv Jurel's impressive performance in the second unofficial Test against Australia 'A' has put him in contention for a spot in India's playing XI for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Perth.Jurel, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has shown his mettle with a fighting knock of 80 off 186 balls against Australia 'A'. With Rishabh Pant firmly established as India's first-choice wicketkeeper, Jurel's chances of playing as a wicketkeeper are slim. However, his batting prowess could earn him a spot as a specialist batsman.With captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the first Test due to injury, KL Rahul is expected to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has also been in contention for the opening spot, has failed to impress against Australia 'A'.This leaves the middle order as a potential opening for Jurel. Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in and out of the Test team, has not been in the best of form lately. His brittle temperament could also be a concern against the aggressive Australian bowlers.Jurel, on the other hand, has shown his ability to handle pressure and play long innings. His 90 in the Rajkot Test against England is a testament to his batting skills.If coach Gautam Gambhir decides to include Jurel in the playing XI, he could replace Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order. Jurel's experience at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the first Test will be played, could also be a factor in his favor.

India's Test team has come under intense scrutiny following their disappointing loss to New Zealand in the recently concluded home series. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia looming, the team management has taken a bold decision to send star batters KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to Australia early.The move has raised eyebrows, as it suggests a lack of confidence in the current batting lineup. Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed his concerns, stating that the decision to send Rahul and Jurel early indicates "a lot of concern over India's batting."Chopra questioned the timing of the team selection, suggesting that it may have been premature to name the squad before the New Zealand series. He pointed out that Sai Sudharsan, who impressed in Australia with his batting, could have been included in the team.However, Chopra acknowledged that Rahul and Jurel have not had enough game time in India and that sending them to Australia could provide them with an opportunity to find form and score runs. He also expressed his preference for Rahul over Sarfaraz Khan, despite Khan's impressive century against New Zealand."If you ask me to choose between Rahul and Sarfaraz for the Australia tour, I will pick the former though the latter has scored 150 against New Zealand," Chopra said. "And even between Jurel and Sarfaraz, I might still be tempted with the former."India's tour of Australia will begin on November 22 with a five-match Test series. The team will be desperate to win at least four matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final next year. The early arrival of Rahul and Jurel is a sign of the team's determination to address their batting concerns and put up a strong challenge in Australia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Yash Dayal from the Indian Test squad for the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. The trio will participate in the Irani Cup, which begins in Lucknow on Tuesday.The decision was made to allow the players to gain match practice ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Sarfaraz will represent Mumbai, while Jurel and Dayal will join the Rest of India squad.Sarfaraz, a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, has been in impressive form this season. He has scored over 1,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, including a triple-century. Jurel, a left-arm spinner, has also been in good form, taking 25 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Dayal, a left-arm pacer, has impressed with his pace and accuracy.The BCCI had earlier stated that the trio would be released from the Test squad if they were not included in the playing XI. The decision to release them now is a testament to the BCCI's commitment to player development.The Irani Cup is an annual first-class cricket match played between the Rest of India and the winner of the Ranji Trophy. It is a prestigious tournament that provides players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a place in the Indian team.The release of Sarfaraz, Jurel, and Dayal from the Test squad is a significant development. It highlights the BCCI's focus on player development and its commitment to providing opportunities for young players to excel.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has heaped praise on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional adaptability and versatility, which allows him to excel on any type of track. Bumrah is currently in action in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test underway at Chennai's MA Chidambram Stadium.Speaking on JioCinema, Jurel lauded Bumrah's ability to adjust to different conditions seamlessly. "His adaptability across all tracks is not easy to maintain. Sometimes it is a long spell, other times it is a quick two-over spell where the captain needs a wicket," said Jurel.Jurel also highlighted Bumrah's resilience and consistency despite the physical demands of fast bowling. "Injuries are common for pacers like him, but he always delivers by taking wickets. That's what makes him special," he added.Jurel emphasized that Bumrah's adaptability sets him apart from many bowlers who prefer conditions that suit their style. "He can brilliantly adapt to any track, whether it is a seaming pitch or one that favors spinners," he said.The wicketkeeper-batter recalled the scorching yorker that Bumrah delivered to England's Ollie Pope during the Test series against England, which deceived the batter and uprooted two of his stumps. "I would not have done any better than Pope. I probably would have reacted the same way," said Jurel.In 37 Tests, Bumrah has taken 159 wickets at an average of 20.69, with the best bowling figures of 6/27. In nine home Tests, Bumrah has taken 33 wickets at an average of 16.36, with the best figures of 6/45.In the ongoing Test against Bangladesh, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first. India's top-order collapsed, leaving them at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 in 118 balls, with nine fours) and Rishabh Pant (39 in 52 balls, with six fours) stitched a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India into the game. After India was reduced to 144/6, Ashwin and Jadeja (86* in 117 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) stitched a 195-run partnership, ending the day at 339/6.Hasan Mahmud (4/58) was the top bowler for Bangladesh, destroying the Indian top order, removing skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6).