Dhruv Jurel's Heroic Knock for India A

2nd Unofficial Test: Dhruv Jurel's Heroic Knock for India A

India A vs South Africa A: Dhruv Jurel has made a very strong case for himself to be included in the upcoming India Test match in Kolkata. He scored his fifth first-class century and his second one of this particular match, showing he deserves a spot in the middle order.

Jurel hit an unbeaten 127 runs, coming to the rescue of the India A team for the second time in the game. India A declared their innings at 382 for 7, setting South Africa A a tough target of 417 runs to win. South Africa A ended the day at 25 for 0, with their openers surviving a challenging 11 overs from Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna. Siraj bowled a particularly aggressive spell, constantly challenging the batters, though the umpire correctly turned down several appeals for catches behind.

Jurel came to the crease when India A was struggling at 108 for 4. Captain Rishabh Pant had to retire hurt after being hit multiple times by fast bowler Tshepo Moreki. Before that, KL Rahul was bowled out for just 27. Jurel then found a great partner in all-rounder Harsh Dubey. Dubey took on the role of the main attacker, hitting 84 runs and sharing a massive 184-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Jurel. Dubey was dropped early but played well against the spinners, using his feet to hit them down the ground and sweeping effectively.

At the other end, Jurel played a disciplined innings. He defended the fast bowling with a straight bat and was decisive against the spin, either driving forward or cutting back. He had a moment of luck on 49 when a spinning ball hit the stumps but the bails stayed on, saving him from being bowled. Jurel capitalized on this luck, quickly reaching his half-century and then cruising to a century.

After Dubey was dismissed, Pant returned to bat despite his injury. He aggressively attacked the loose balls and was hitting quickly towards a half-century. However, Pant was hit by a short ball for the fourth time while trying to pull, and eventually top-edged a big shot on 65, which ended the innings and brought about the declaration.