Dhruv Jurel is getting ready to play his first Test match in the third game of the five-game series against England in Rajkot. This means that KS Bharat is likely to lose his slot in the playing XI.
The confidence of the Indian team management in KS Bharat seems to be waning as the wicketkeeper is on the verge of being replaced by the young Dhruv Jurel in the Playing XI for the upcoming Rajkot Test. Bharat has been holding the wicketkeeping role for India since Rishabh Pant’s injury, and while he’s been reliable behind the stumps, his batting performance has left much to be desired. In his 7 Tests, Bharat hasn’t managed to score a single half-century, and his struggles against quality bowling attacks have made him appear vulnerable, almost like a walking wicket.
Bharat’s meager tally of 221 runs from 7 Tests and 12 innings at an average of 20.09 underscores his challenges. Despite a recent unbeaten 116 for India A against England Lions, it’s his lackluster numbers with the senior team that are causing growing concerns. With India’s batting lineup not instilling the most confidence, especially in the second innings, reports from the Times of India suggest that Bharat’s time with the Indian team might be coming to an end, at least for now.
As per a Times of India report, it seems the team management has reached the end of their patience with the 30-year-old player and is poised to exclude him from the starting lineup.
“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.
Bharat hasn’t quite left a mark with his batting, and his wicketkeeping hasn’t garnered much attention either. It seems probable that he might be replaced by the uncapped Dhruv Jurel in the upcoming third Test.
In January, Jurel, a 22-year-old cricketer who plays for the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Team, received his first-ever call-up to the Indian team as a reserve wicketkeeper. The team management opted not to go with KL Rahul as the keeper, and the uncertainty surrounding Ishan Kishan persisted. Jurel earned this opportunity due to his consistent performances for India A. Having made his First-Class debut against Vidarbha last year, he has amassed 790 runs from 15 matches so far and is currently in good form for India A.
During his time with the team against the England Lions, where he shared the dressing room with Bharat, Jurel showcased his skills by scoring a half-century. Additionally, he contributed with a solid knock of 69 against South Africa A. Apart from his national team endeavors, Jurel has been making waves for his state team, Uttar Pradesh, putting up impressive scores of 63, 57 not out, and 77.
The series didn’t start well for Rohit Sharma’s team as they faced a setback with a 28-run loss to England in Hyderabad. Nevertheless, the home side quickly turned things around, delivering a convincing 106-run victory in the second Test at Vishakhapatnam to even the series.
