Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Dhruv Jurel deserves a place in India’s XI for South Africa Tests

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India’s young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has once again turned heads with his scintillating form, scoring twin centuries in the ongoing second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru. His performance not only powered India A into a commanding position but also earned high praise from senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who lauded Jurel’s consistency and impact.

Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Jurel, praising his remarkable consistency and suggesting that he fully deserves a place in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Jurel’s back-to-back centuries in the ongoing second unofficial Test at the Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru have put him firmly in contention for selection.

Reacting to Jurel’s stellar performance, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “Dhruv Jurel is making it very hard for the coach and captain to drop him from the Test match coming up. 100’s in both innings of the unofficial test against SA ‘A’.”

Ashwin’s post, which quickly gained traction among cricket fans, reflects the growing belief that Jurel’s performances have outgrown the ‘A’ level. The off-spinner’s statement is being seen as a subtle message to the selectors — that the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has done enough to earn a spot in the final XI for the South Africa series starting November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Dhruv Jurel is making it very hard for the coach and captain to drop him from the Test match coming up.

100’s in both innings of the unofficial test against SA ‘A’. #INDVSA

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 8, 2025

Also READ: Fans react as Dhruv Jurel rescues India A with a sensational unbeaten century against South Africa A in 2nd unofficial Test

Jurel’s performances over the past few months have been nothing short of exceptional. Earlier this year, during the Test series against the West Indies, he impressed with scores of 125, 44, and an unbeaten 6, showcasing maturity beyond his years. That confidence has carried into the ongoing series against Marques Ackermann’s South Africa A, where Jurel has been India A’s standout performer. In the first innings, the young right-hander scored an unbeaten 132 off 175 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes to steer India A to 255. He followed it up with another hundred in the second innings, reaching the milestone in 159 balls. His second ton was marked by poise and aggression as he brought up his century with a boundary off Tiaan van Vuuren, later taking 19 runs in the same over.

Ashwin’s praise highlights a growing selection dilemma for the Indian team management. With Rishabh Pant returning to the squad after recovering from a foot injury, Jurel’s sensational form has made the choice between the two wicketkeepers a tough one. Pant’s match-winning ability and experience are invaluable, but Jurel’s recent red-ball performances have made him an undeniable contender.

In just seven first-class matches, Jurel has scored 430 runs, including a century and a fifty, while also impressing with his wicketkeeping skills. His ability to absorb pressure, build partnerships, and accelerate when needed makes him a complete package for red-ball cricket.

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