The Indian team’s starting lineup for the opening Test of the next two-match series against South Africa has been revealed by former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The current World Test Championship winners, South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, will confront the Shubman Gill-led team in the game, which will take place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Dhruv Jurel is the second wicketkeeper that Abhishek Nayar has chosen for the home team. With his double hundreds for India ‘A’ in Bengaluru during the just finished second four-day match, he believes Jurel made a significant impression.
As a result, Abhishek Nayar has included Jurel in his team lineup for the match against Kolkata, along with vice captain Rishabh Pant.
“If you have stuck with someone for a long time, I would want to. Dhruv Jurel has been amazing; he scored a century against the West Indies and is currently playing for India A versus South Africa A. However, I want to put him in a situation where he can thrive,” Abhishek Nayar stated via Star Sports.
In addition to Kuldeep Yadav, another batter
Even though Jurel is a highly competent batter, the former Mumbai all-rounder believes that, based only on his recent form, Ravindra Jadeja ought to bat before the stumper-batter. However, he only selected Jadeja as a spinner, ignoring players like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, who are all-round spin bowlers. In his setup, he chose Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“No. 6: Ravindra Jadeja. Since Dhruv Jurel is in that kind of form, I would search for him as my number seven in these circumstances. He should be included in the setup, in my opinion. Regretfully, everyone will think, “Damn, I might have to forego a Kuldeep Yadav in this arrangement,” Abhishek Nayar continued.
“I would want that added assurance with a batter and a seamer in these conditions, given how difficult it will be for the hitters. After Nitish Reddy joins the team, you have my three seamers. I would aim for that kind of structure,” the former cricket player turned pundit noted.
Given how difficult it will be for the hitters under these circumstances, I would prefer the additional assurance of a batter and a seamer. My three seamers are on that team after Nitish Reddy enters. The former cricket player turned broadcaster noted, “That’s the kind of setup I would go for.”
Abhishek Nayar’s India Playing XI for first Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
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