Dhruv Jurel’s legendary streak with India comes to an end after 1st Test loss vs South Africa

India suffered a surprising loss against South Africa in the recent first Test of the two-match series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, November 16. The defeat also brought an end to wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel’s impressive streak, and the Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing red-ball series.

India failed to chase down a modest target of 124 and were bowled out for just 93 in the final innings. South Africa’s spinners troubled the Indian batters and took eight wickets. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Marco Jansen’s early strikes against the Indian openers set the tone for the visitors’ decisive win.

Dhruv Jurel’s Winning Streak in Test Cricket Comes to an End

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma continued his impressive record as captain. Since taking over, he has led South Africa to 10 victories, and the only other result under his leadership has been a draw. He maintained his unbeaten streak in Test captaincy.

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On the other side, Dhruv Jurel’s winning streak in Test cricket came to an end. Jurel began his international red-ball career against England in early 2024 and played in three consecutive wins during that series.

He played his fourth Test match in Perth against Australia, where he featured as a batter while Rishabh Pant took over the wicketkeeping duties. The Men in Blue won that match as well against Australia. However, the defeat in Kolkata was the first time Jurel ended up on the losing side in Test cricket.

Dhruv Jurel Returned to XI in the Fifth Test vs England After Missing Eight Games

Dhruv Jurel returned to India’s Test XI during the fifth match of the England tour after missing eight consecutive games. India won the contest by six runs, drawing the series 2-2.

With Rishabh Pant unavailable for the deciding Test due to injury, Dhruv Jurel also played the home series that followed against the West Indies. India won both matches, and Jurel’s strong performances for India and India A helped him retain his spot in the squad.

Dhruv Jurel earned a place in the XI for the first Test against South Africa, where he was picked as a specialist batter. He scored 14 runs in the first innings and added 13 in the second, where he was promoted to No. 4 because Shubman Gill was injured.

Shubman Gill Discharged From Hospital Shortly After India’s Shock Defeat

Team India skipper Shubman Gill has reportedly been discharged from Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata after the loss. However, there is still uncertainty over whether he will be fit in time for the second Test, with the team waiting for a clear update on his condition.

His absence proved costly during India’s chase of 124 in the fourth innings. Without their captain and a key batter, India went into the run chase one specialist batter short. The hosts were bowled out for 93 runs and conceded a 1-0 lead in the series to the visitors.

Gill picked up a neck injury on Day 2 after facing only three deliveries. The physio rushed onto the field, and he was later seen wearing a cervical collar as a precaution. He was taken to a private hospital for further evaluation.

Also read: South Africa head coach issues official statement on Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘Bauna’ comment on Temba Bavuma