KS Bharat set to be dropped, Dhruv Jurel to debut in 3rd Test: Report

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat is set to be dropped from the playing XI when India takes on England in the 3rd Test of the 5-match series at Rajkot. Team India will be looking to make the most of the momentum they have after winning the second Test when they take on England in the third Test of the ongoing five-match IND vs ENG 2024 series.

The Rohit Sharma-led side began the series on a disappointing note as England inflicted a 28-run defeat on them in Hyderabad. However, the hosts bounced back to thrash the visitors by 106 runs in the second Test in Vishakhapatnam and draw level in the series. 

While the teams usually try to retain a winning combination, India is reportedly set to make several changes to the playing eleven for the forthcoming game. One of the players who is in danger of losing his place in the team is wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat. The Andhra star kept the wickets in the first two Tests and had the chance to cement his spot but failed to grab it once again.

According to a report in the Times of India, the team management has run out of patience with the 30-year-old and is set to drop him from the playing eleven. He has played 7 Tests so far but has yet to make a big impact in a game.

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KS Bharat likely to make way for Dhruv Jurel:

In 7 Tests so far, KS Bharat has an average of just 20.09 as he has managed to score a modest 221 runs in the longest format of the game. In the ongoing series, he has registered scores of 41, 28, 17 and 6. His failure to score big in the middle-order has only made the Indian batting order look more fragile.

Bharat has not only failed to impress with the bat but has also not managed to make an impression with his wicketkeeping. And he is likely to make way for uncapped Dhruv Jurel in the upcoming third Test.

“Bharat’s batting has been well below par, while his keeping hasn’t been great either. He isn’t making use of his chances. Jurel, on the other hand, is talented, has a good attitude, and has a bright future. He has done well for Uttar Pradesh, India A, and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Don’t be surprised if Jurel makes his Test debut at Rajkot,” a BCCI source told the news outlet.

Jurel earned his maiden India call-up for the ongoing Test series after impressing for Uttar Pradesh as well as India A. In 15 first-class games so far, he has scored 790 runs at an impressive average of 46.47, with one century and five fifties. He has a top score of 249 in red-ball cricket.

The 22-year-old also scored half-centuries for India A against England Lions and South Africa. Jurel also impressed with the bat in the IPL last year.

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