Dhruv Jurel’s blast in Sri Lanka, sense of increasing danger on Rishabh Pant, unbeaten innings of 141 runs, strengthened Test claim

New Delhi. At present, the competition for the place of wicketkeeper-batsman in Indian cricket is at its peak. Young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel’s marathon inning of unbeaten 141 runs against Sri Lanka ‘A’ has made a strong claim in front of the selectors. This patient innings played while facing 215 balls not only changed the course of the match but also started a new debate regarding the wicketkeeping slot in Test cricket.

Amidst tough competition and constantly changing equations, the question is now being raised whether Rishabh Pant, who was once India’s first choice in this format, is now lagging behind in the race? This unbeaten inning of 141 runs by Dhruv Jurel has given a new option to Indian cricket. The emergence of Ishaan, Jurel, Samson and Jagadishan has made the bench strength of Team India very strong.

Jurel’s innings: Class, patience and a long race horse

The innings played by Dhruv Jurel against Sri Lanka ‘A’ was adorned with the traditional temperament of Test cricket, apart from the aggressive batting of the modern era. Staying at the crease for 215 balls and handling the team in adverse conditions shows that Jurel has the potential to become a long-haul horse. He has not only proved his agility behind the wicket, but by scoring a century under pressure, he has also shown that he has the full ability to handle the lower-middle order. Jurel hit 13 fours and one six during his century innings. Jurel, who was captaining in this match, also made two big partnerships with Sheikh Rashid and Harsh Dubey.

Current wicketkeepers ranking: Where does Pant stand?

If Indian wicketkeepers are ranked on the basis of current form, consistency and recent performance, the equation looks like this Ishaan Kishan: Due to his aggressive batting and ability to play in all three formats, he is always on the radar of the management. He has the ability to score fast runs in both red ball and white ball. Dhruv Jurel: Due to this inning of 141* runs against Sri Lanka ‘A’ and previous good record in Test matches, Jurel has brought himself very high in the rankings. Sanju Samson: His recent form in white-ball cricket has been unmatched, although he has got less opportunities in Tests, but his talent and experience always keeps him ahead in the race. N Jagadeesan: Jagadishan, who has scored a mountain of runs in domestic cricket (Ranji Trophy), is constantly attracting the attention of the selectors on the basis of his excellent technique and wicket-keeping skills. KL Rahul: Rahul’s experience as a batsman-wicketkeeper has always been valuable for the team. He has good experience of wicketkeeping and batting abroad in Test format.

After this entire list now comes Rishabh Pant’s number. There was a time when Pant was India’s biggest match-winner in Test cricket, but in recent times, the ups and downs of form, the struggle to return after injury and the continuous opportunities given to youngsters have pushed him back a bit in this race.

Road ahead for Pant: Is a comeback possible?

No one doubts Rishabh Pant’s ability. From the historic win at Gabba to his centuries in England and South Africa, it is a testimony to the fact that he can single-handedly turn a match. However, a place in international cricket is not permanent. When a youth like Jurel scores an unbeaten century playing 215 balls, the pressure increases for the team management to look beyond Pant’s old records. The challenge now for Pant is to prove himself again in domestic cricket and the limited opportunities he gets. He will have to bring back not only his fitness but also the same old consistency in batting. Alarm bells have rung for Rishabh Pant, and if he has to come back on top in this race, he will have to give a strong reply with bat and gloves on the field. At present, the youth seem to have the upper hand.