Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has suggested that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy might have to make way to accommodate the in-form wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa.
Jurel has been in sublime touch, recently recording twin centuries in the second unofficial Test between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’. This impressive form has made a strong case for his inclusion in the upcoming Test match.
The Men in Blue face a selection conundrum ahead of the home series against South Africa, especially with the return of star wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant from injury. While Pant is expected to rejoin the playing XI immediately, this raises questions about the composition of the middle order.
Both Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy featured in the two-match home Test series against the West Indies during Pant’s absence. Jurel stood out by scoring his maiden international hundred, whereas Nitish Kumar Reddy played a less prominent role, mainly as the third seam bowling option in subcontinent conditions.
Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that Nitish’s position in the team is uncertain due to the team’s balance requirements. “Our position hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get a chance in Australia. It’s very important to balance the batting depth and specialist bowlers. We don’t want to sacrifice someone just to bring in an all-rounder for the sake of it,” he stated.
Nitish Kumar Reddy recently participated in the white-ball tour of Australia as a pace-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya’s absence. Unfortunately, he injured his left quadriceps midway through the ODI series and missed the rain-curtailed T20I matches.
On the other hand, Ryan ten Doeschate is confident that Dhruv Jurel’s recent form warrants his selection, even with Pant’s return securing the primary wicket-keeping slot. The two have only played together once in the India playing XI – during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series opener in Perth, when Pant was recovering from a major injury.
“I don’t think you can leave him (Jurel) out of this Test. Someone will have to miss out. That’s a simple answer. He is certain to play this week. I’ll be surprised if we don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh play together,” ten Doeschate added.
The first Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 14, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With such a strong lineup, fans can expect an exciting contest between the two sides.
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