Dhruv Jurel’s gritty unbeaten 132 helps India A post 255

India A vs South Africa A: Dhruv Jurel’s gritty unbeaten 132 helps India A post 255

Dhruv Jurel’s recent form has been impressive and hard to overlook. With scores of 124, 44, and an unbeaten 6 against West Indies, he’s shown consistency and maturity. Now, with Rishabh Pant set to return to the Test team, Jurel is making a strong case to be picked as a pure batter, not just a wicketkeeper.

That could soon become reality if India strengthens their middle order with a specialist batter at No. 6 instead of an allrounder. The competition for that spot might come down to Jurel versus Nitish Reddy.

On Thursday, India A were in serious trouble against a fired-up South Africa A pace attack on a green, seaming pitch in Bengaluru. But Jurel stood tall. Coming in with the team struggling at 124 for 7, he played a brilliant knock to guide them to a respectable total of 255. He remained unbeaten on 132, hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes. It was his fourth first-class century and his third since June.

Just a couple of months ago, Jurel had scored a fine hundred against Australia A on a turning pitch in Lucknow. This innings, in tough seaming conditions, was just as special. He added 131 runs for the last three wickets, showing great control and calm under pressure.

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal, who is also in the race for a middle-order spot, managed only 5 runs his third low score in a row. Though he had done well earlier in the Ranji Trophy and against Australia A, this dip in form might hurt his chances of a recall.

The day had started poorly for India A. Abhimanyu Easwaran was out for a duck, trapped in front by a sharp nip-backer from Okhule Cele. KL Rahul looked fluent early on, hitting three boundaries in one over, but was caught behind trying to drive a ball that moved away.

Sai Sudharsan also struggled. He took 12 balls to get off the mark and was eventually bowled by offspinner Subrayen for 17. He had trouble dealing with the moving ball and often stepped out of his crease to counter it, which didn’t help.

Rishabh Pant, fresh from a 90 in the previous game, came out attacking. He hit Subrayen for a slog-sweep and a lofted shot in back-to-back balls, scoring a quick 24 off 20 before getting out trying to clear the infield.

Tiaan van Vuuren was a constant threat, moving the ball both ways and troubling the batters. He dismissed Harsh Dubey with a delivery that flicked the bat and body before hitting the stumps.

Kuldeep Yadav had a scare early in his innings when he collided with the wicketkeeper and fell awkwardly. But he recovered and stuck around, adding 79 runs for the eighth wicket with Jurel. Kuldeep was dropped on 7 before tea, and he made the most of it.

Jurel was calm and composed throughout. He played late, used a big front-foot stride to handle the seam movement, and avoided risky shots. Once settled, he began to punish the loose deliveries and brought up his century in 146 balls. His knock was a masterclass in patience, technique, and smart shot selection rescuing India A on a tough day for batting.