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[Saba Sports News] Dhruv Jurel, the Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman, has been selected for India’s 16-member team for the initial two Tests against England in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. At 22 years old, Jurel will be joining KL Rahul, who previously kept wickets in South Africa, and KS Bharat as the third wicketkeeper. However, Ishan Kishan is not part of the squad yet.
Rahul Dravid, the India head coach, recently explained Kishan’s absence from the T20I series against Afghanistan, stating that Kishan had asked for a break. Dravid mentioned that Kishan intends to play domestic cricket and will be available for selection once he’s ready. Kishan was expected to be a key keeper for the spin-favorable pitches in India, but his absence opens a door for Jurel with the senior team.
After debuting in the IPL last season, Jurel’s career has been on an upward trajectory. Following his IPL debut, he was selected for the Emerging Teams Asia Cup and then joined the India A team in South Africa, keeping wickets in the second unofficial Test. He’s also in the squad facing the England Lions in Ahmedabad, beginning January 17. Jurel has played 15 first-class matches, averaging 46.47.
Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, who performed well in Newlands and were late additions to the squad after India’s loss in the Centurion Test, retain their positions. However, Prasidh Krishna is absent due to a left quadriceps injury sustained during the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
The squad includes Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), and Avesh Khan.
Mohammed Shami is still recovering from an ankle injury incurred during the World Cup and is also absent from the team.
The team’s batting lineup is strong, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, Shubman Gill at No. 3, and Virat Kohli at No. 4. It is understood that KL Rahul will focus more on batting, which may increase pressure on Shreyas Iyer, who struggled for runs in South Africa.
The spin bowling department is robust with veterans Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, the latter having been successful in the previous series against England.
The Test series commences on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, followed by the second Test in Visakhapatnam starting February 2.