On Dhruv Jurel vs Rishabh Pant Selection Debate, Anil Kumble's "MS Dhoni" Verdict
In first-choice keeper Rishabh Pant's absence, Dhruv Jurel has managed to make a strong case for himself as far as the Test team is concerned.
Former India captain Anil Kumble has shared his views on young wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel, following his brilliant show in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi. Jurel starred with the bat as India beat Engand by five wickets at the JSCA International Stadium on Monday. Jurel smashed a gritty 90 in the first innings, before scoring an unbeaten 39 to see help India chase down 192. In first-choice keeper Rishabh Pant's absence, Jurel has managed to make a strong case for himself as far as the Test team is concerned.
Impressed with Jurel's show in his Test career so far, Kumble backed the youngster to have a career as successful as legendary India wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni.
"Oh yes, there's Rishabh Pant. We don't know of course when he comes, comes back whenever that happens. Sooner hopefully for Rishabh. But otherwise, yes, he certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career. But he's shown that he's not just shown the temperament of his technique to defence but even when he's attacking. Even in that first innings he was very assured he went after and then hit those big sixes when he was batting with the tail and hats off even behind the stumps," Kumble said on Jio Cinema.
Apart from his batting skills, Kumble feels Jurel's glovework is second to none, and his skills will only get better in the future.
Jurel had replaced KS Bharat in the playing XI in the fourth Test after the Andhra Pradesh wicketkeeper failed to impress with both, bat and gloves.
"He's been exceptional. Especially of the faster bowlers. Spinners again took a couple of really good catches and he's only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I'm sure as he starts playing more and more he'll only get better. And it only augers well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional. Yeah, I mean it's not been easy for KS Bharat. But that's why I said the selectors, having seen him with only 15 1st class games have chosen him. Saying okay, this is the person who we believe and introduced him in that last Test. And since then he's been outstanding and he's played the match because the batting really I always feel and I don't want to sort of throw a dampener on this at all because that's not my intention," he added.
India Cricket Team
England Cricket Team
Rishabh Pant
MS Dhoni