Star India Batter Told To Improve By Gautam Gambhir And Co, Spot In Playing XI At Risk: Report
The Indian team management is reportedly not satisfied with the performances of a key cog in the middle order of the Test team.
- Dhruv Jurel's spot in India's Test playing XI is reportedly at risk after a string of low scores
- The Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management has reminded Jurel to up his performances
- Jurel has not managed a half-century in any of his last six innings in Test cricket
India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir have a few dilemmas when it comes to picking the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. One of the biggest dilemmas comes in the middle order, where the Indian team management will have to choose between wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel or the recently recalled Sarfaraz Khan. Jurel's inconsistent red-ball scores and tendency to throw his wicket away has put him under pressure. As per reports, the Indian team management has asked Jurel to up his performances in Test cricket.
With Rishabh Pant being the first-choice wicket-keeper, Jurel has played as a pure batter in most of his 10 Tests so far. However, the 25-year-old has failed to cross hit a half-century in his last six Test innings.
Jurel performed poorly in India's 0-2 home Test series whitewash against South Africa in November 2025. As per a report by Times of India, the team management reminded him that he needs to significantly improve to retain his spot as a pure batter in the playing XI.
The team management was reportedly surprised at Jurel's low scores and the manner in which he got out.
Jurel managed just 19 in India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. He then slammed a hundred and fifty for India A against Sri Lanka A, but managed scores of just 1 and 17 in India's warm-up game ahead of the upcoming series.
Due to his recent failures, Jurel's average has dropped to 34.14 after 10 Tests.
The arrival of Sarfaraz Khan into the fold has now stirred debate over who should bat at No. 6 for India in the series against Sri Lanka, and beyond. Sarfaraz has played four less Tests than Jurel, but has slammed the same number of centuries and two more fifties.
India Cricket Team
Gautam Gambhir