Gautam Gambhir finalizes Dhruv Jurel's name in India XI for BGT 2024-25 opener

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is likely to find a place in the playing XI for the upcoming first Test of the five-match series against Australia in Perth. As per the latest news reports, Dhruv Jurel will be backed by the team management after his impressive performances for India A against Australia A.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series between India and Australia is set to start on November 22. The first Test is set to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth. However, there is still no confirmation regarding the team combination for the series opener, despite the match being just days away.

Dhruv Jurel Scored Back-to-Back Fifties Against Australia A at MCG

Dhruv Jurel, along with KL Rahul, joined the India A team for the second unofficial Test against Australia A in preparation for the highly anticipated Test series. Jurel was part of the match against Australia A at the MCG and made an impact with the bat in both innings of the match in Australian conditions.

The wicketkeeper-batter recorded back-to-back fifties in the two innings of the match. He played a brilliant 186-ball 80 runs when he came in at 11-4 in the first innings. Jurel then scored 68 runs off 122 balls in the second innings. The 23-year-old also received praise from former Australia captain Tim Paine.

Dhruv Jurel Likely to Bat No. 6 in Upcoming Perth Test Match

According to RevSportz, the team management has decided to include Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the upcoming Test, following his strong performances against Australia A. Jurel is expected to bat at No. 6. With both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill absent, the team’s top order remains uncertain.

Rishabh Pant will be the wicketkeeper for India, and Jurel is expected to be included as a middle-order batter. Before the India A series against Australia A, Jurel played a 93-run knock for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup against Mumbai. Jurel has seized every opportunity given to him in his limited career.

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill to Miss Perth Test in BGT 2024-25

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer made his debut against England in Rajkot. He scored 46 runs, showing composure under pressure. In his second Test against England in Ranchi, the right-handed batter recorded scores of 90 runs and 39*, winning the 'Player of the Match' award for his batting efforts.

With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, India's top order is uncertain. If KL Rahul opens with Yashasvi Jaiswal, the team will need someone at No. 3, with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal being potential options. Virat Kohli could be considered, but he has been successful at No. 4.

Ajinkya Rahane stepped in as captain in 2020-21 when Virat Kohli left the tour. Rahane led India to success with wins in two out of the last three Tests. Now, head coach Gautam Gambhir will navigate this challenge as the team prepares for the Border-Gavaskar series.

Also read: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant's future predicted by Sourav Ganguly ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25