Key Points

Parthiv Patel has thrown his support behind Dhruv Jurel to continue as India's wicketkeeper in the crucial fifth Test at The Oval. The young keeper has been backed despite conceding some byes in previous matches, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praising his preparation. Jurel's strong performances for India A against England Lions have strengthened his case for selection. With Rishabh Pant ruled out, India have added Narayan Jagadeesan as backup keeping option.

Key Points: Parthiv Patel backs Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper for Oval Test

  • Parthiv Patel confident Jurel will keep wickets despite Pant's absence
  • Jurel faced criticism for byes but backed by batting coach Kotak
  • India A performances strengthen Jurel's case for selection
  • Narayan Jagadeesan added as backup wicketkeeper option
3 min read

I'm certain we'll see him in the playing XI: Parthiv Patel backs Dhruv Jurel to keep wickets in The Oval Test

Former India keeper Parthiv Patel predicts Dhruv Jurel will retain gloves in the decisive Oval Test against England.

"I'm certain we'll see him in the playing XI - Parthiv Patel"

New Delhi, July 30

As India prepare for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, all eyes are on team selection, especially around the wicketkeeping role. With vice-captain Rishabh Pant officially ruled out of the series due to a broken right foot, former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes Dhruv Jurel will retain the gloves for the series decider.

"I don't think India will make any changes there," JioHotstar expert Parthiv said.

"KL Rahul and Jaiswal have provided solid starts throughout the series, so there's no reason to alter that combination. I believe Dhruv Jurel will be the designated wicketkeeper. The only question is, at what number will he bat? But I'm certain we'll see him in the playing XI," he added.

The 24-year-old was called into action and kept the wickets twice after Pant sustained a blow on his finger in the third Test at Lord's and more than a week later in Manchester.

Tamil Nadu's Narayan Jagadeesan is being added to the squad as a backup.

Earlier, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak put his weight behind the young prodigy to fare well with the bat despite the lack of game time in England, considering the amount of time he has spent in the nets behind the scenes.

"Dhruv is an outstanding talent. He is a very good keeper. And he can bet really well, and he has been preparing. Obviously, all the guys are very professional, whether they are playing. You take it from Abhimanyu to Dhruv or anyone, whether they are playing or not," Kotak told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday.

"We try and do that they all get enough volume of batting, bowling, whatever is required. But particularly about Dhruv, he is a very talented player. He has already played and performed for India," he added.

Jurel was criticised for the number of byes he gave away in the third Test on the leg side. Kotak felt it was a laborious task to keep the wickets, especially in the existence of uneven bounce. He is assured about Jurel's wicketkeeping skills and remains adamant about his preparations with the bat.

"So, they all keep preparing for any stage, any injuries, any requirement; they should be ready to play. And I think he is in the same mindset. Rishabh got hit on the finger first, so, that game he also kept at loads, which was difficult times because the ball was up and down, and a few byes went," he said.

"And then the next game, again, because Rishabh got hit on the feet, so he kept. So, on the keeping side, he has already done it for long enough. The batting, I think, he is prepared, he is ready, and he is very, very talented. So, he will try and do his best; there is no doubt," he added.

Before the commencement of the series, Jurel exuded his prolific form and struck three fifty-plus scores for India A against England Lions in the two unofficial Tests. Jurel has a knack for scoring runs against England, considering his match-winning 90 last year in Ranchi, during the home Test against the Three Lions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in UK, I've watched Jurel closely. His keeping needs improvement but his batting potential is exciting. That 90 in Ranchi was special! Hope he gets this opportunity.
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Ananya R
Why not give KL Rahul the gloves back? He's more experienced in English conditions. Jurel is talented but this is a series decider - we need our best XI on field.
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Vikram M
Parthiv bhai knows wicketkeeping better than anyone! If he's backing Jurel, we should trust his judgement. Remember how he supported Pant early in his career too. 🏏
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Kavya N
The real question is - can he handle the pressure of a series decider at The Oval? Keeping in England is toughest in world cricket. Hope the team management gives him proper guidance.
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Michael C
As an England fan, I'm relieved Pant isn't playing - he's dangerous! But Jurel looks like another talented youngster from India's endless production line. Your system is impressive!
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Priya S
Let's not forget Jurel's domestic record - averages 49 in first class cricket! The boy can bat. If he gets going, England will have serious problems. #BelieveInJurel

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