Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel to be dropped after KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant's return: Ex-India cricketer makes huge prediction
Table of Contents
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel might not play in India's next Test series against Bangladesh. Both the youngsters made their international debut in the home Test series against England earlier this year, which was also India's last Test series.
However, the return of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant could mean that Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan might not get a chance in the upcoming series despite performing well. KL Rahul played the first Test against England and scored an excellent 86, although, India lost the match. Rahul could not take any further part in the series due to injury as India gave the debut to Sarfaraz Khan.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel came into the Playing XI in place of the out-of-form KS Bharat. Rishabh Pant, who was India's first-choice wicketkeeper in Tests was out for a long time as he completed his recovery from the horrific car accident. Pant played key roles in India's overseas wins in Australia and England.
Aakash Chopra makes a huge claim on Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel
In a Q&A segment on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra was asked if Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel will keep their places after the return of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Chopra felt that Sarfaraz and Jurel won't find a place in the Playing XI against Bangladesh since India will give preference to Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul on the basis of seniority.
"I don't think that they (Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel) will get a place in the Playing XI. Initially, they won't get a chance as both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will play. If someone has been out injured, then the player gets his place back once he is fit and this has always been the story of Indian cricket. I don't think it will be anything different this time," Chopra reckoned.
"Both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will play" - Aakash Chopra
The former India opener added that despite Sarfaraz and Jurel's excellent performances on debut, they will be dropped as it has always been the story of Indian cricket to give the place back to the player who got injured earlier.
"Dhruv Jurel was the Player of the Match in Ranchi and Sarfaraz Khan had a good debut but I think both of them will be dropped. According to me, both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will play."
"I don't know if it's right or wrong but this is the story they have always followed. If a player gets into the Playing XI in place of the injured player, he must wait for his next turn as the injured player gets his place back once he gets fit," Chopra said.
"There is nothing wrong in this. The rules should be the same for everyone. For example, if Virat Kohli gets injured and he comes back, he will come straight into the Playing XI and it is the same with Rishabh and KL Rahul as well. If someone is doing well and then gets injured, then you need to bring him back right away," he added.
Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan impressed in debut series
Dhruv Jurel had a fantastic match with both the bat and gloves. He scored 190 runs in three Tests at an average of 63.33. He was adjudged the Player of the Match for his brilliant innings of 90 and 39* which took India to a win in Ranchi. On the other hand, Sarfaraz Khan scored 200 runs in three Tests at an average of 50. He scored three fifties in the series.
India will play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh which will begin on September 19. The first Test will be played in Chennai while the second Test will be held in Kanpur.
