NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has joined the debate surrounding Dhruv Jurel’s red-hot form and his potential inclusion in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, starting November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Ganguly, speaking at an event, praised the young wicketkeeper-batter’s purple patch but admitted that breaking into India’s settled 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 spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at four, Pant at five, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know,†Ganguly said.
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“But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 — whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan, or bring in our in-form Dhruv in. We’ll find out.â€The 24-year-old Jurel has made headlines with back-to-back centuries against South Africa A in Bengaluru, making a compelling case for selection. His remarkable consistency in red-ball cricket — over 1,000 runs in nine matches at an average above 80 — has turned him into one of India’s most promising batting talents.
Poll
Should Dhruv Jurel be included in India’s Test XI against South Africa?
The former skipper also tipped India as overwhelming favourites at home, highlighting the team’s formidable spin attack and 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 — exceptional performances by Gill, Yashasvi (Jaiswal), Rahul, Pant. India are a bundle of talent,†Ganguly said.The two-match Test series will conclude in Guwahati from November 22 to 26, followed by a three-match ODI series.With Rishabh Pant returning from injury and Jurel in scintillating touch, the Indian selectors now face a happy headache — a contest between stability and form.