Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Dhruv Jurel deserves a place in India’s playing XI for South Africa Tests
The young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has once again turned heads with his scintillating form, scoring two centuries in the ongoing second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the Ground Center of Excellence in Bangalore. His performance not only fueled India A in a commanding position, but also received praise from senior Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwinwho praised Jurel’s consistency and impact.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Dhruv Jurel should be in India’s playing XI for South Africa Tests
Ashwin threw his weight behind Jurel, praising his remarkable consistency and suggesting that he fully deserves a place in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Jurel’s back-to-back centuries in the ongoing second unofficial Test at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru have put him firmly in contention for selection.
Reacting to Jurel’s stellar performance, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “Dhruv Jurel is making it very difficult for the coach and captain to rule him out of the upcoming test match. 100 in both innings of the unofficial test against SA ‘A’.”
Ashwin’s post, which quickly gained traction among cricket fans, reflects the growing belief that Jurel’s performances have gone beyond ‘A’ level. The off-spinner’s statement is seen as a subtle message to the selectors: that the 24-year-old keeper-batsman has done enough to earn a place in the final XI of the South Africa series which begins on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Dhruv Jurel is making it very difficult for the coach and captain to remove him from the upcoming test match.
100 in both innings of the unofficial Test against SA ‘A’. #INDVSA
-Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 8, 2025
Also READ: Fans react as Dhruv Jurel saves India A with sensational unbeaten century against South Africa A in 2nd unofficial Test
Jurel’s dream race continues
Jurel’s performances over the past few months have been nothing short of exceptional. Earlier this year, during the Test series against the West Indieshe impressed with scores of 125, 44 and an unbeaten 6, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. This confidence continued in the ongoing series against Marques Ackermann’s South Africa A, where Jurel was the standout player for India A. In the first innings, the young right-hander scored an unbeaten 132 off 175 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes to take India A to 255. He followed it up with another hundred in the second innings, reaching the milestone in 159 balls. His second ton was marked by balance and aggression as he conjured up his century with a boundary off Tiaan van Vuurenlater taking 19 points in the same time.
A brewing selection dilemma
Ashwin’s praise highlights a growing selection dilemma for the Indian team management. With Rishabh pants Returning to the team after recovering from a foot injury, Jurel’s sensational form made the choice between the two wicketkeepers difficult. Pant’s match-winning ability and experience are invaluable, but Jurel’s recent performances on the red ball have made him a clear contender.
In just seven first-class matches, Jurel scored 430 runs, including a century and a fifty, while impressing with his wicket-keeping skills. His ability to absorb pressure, build partnerships and accelerate when needed makes him a complete package for red-ball cricket.
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