22 years Old Dhruv Jurel Joins India's 16-Man Squad for England Tests

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 16-man squad for the initial two Tests against England, set to commence on January 25. Among the notable inclusions, 22-year-old Dhruv Jurel earned his maiden call-up as a supplementary wicketkeeping option. This selection came in the absence of Ishan Kishan, who, reportedly citing mental fatigue, opted for a break from cricket.

The squad omitted veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who is still recovering from the ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in November. While Shami expressed optimism about returning to the Test squad, the selectors likely prioritized additional rest as a precautionary measure ahead of the crucial stages of the England series.

Apart from Shami, the fast-bowling unit also excluded Prasidh Krishna, who, after featuring in both Test matches in the series against South Africa, picked up just two wickets for 130 runs. On Friday, reports surfaced that Krishna had suffered a quadriceps injury on the opening day of Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat in Ahmedabad.

On a positive note, Avesh Khan retained his spot in the squad. His selection was backed by impressive performances for India A during the South Africa tour, earning him a place in the main squad for the Cape Town match. Avesh joins the formidable pace attack comprising vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar. The spin department includes familiar names such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.

The surprising addition to the squad is Uttar Pradesh cricketer Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel serve as a backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul and KS Bharat. Jurel, part of the India A team in December against South Africa A, showcased his batting prowess by scoring 69 in Benoni. In a Ranji Trophy group game, he contributed 63 for Uttar Pradesh against Kerala. Jurel, with a First-Class debut last year, has accumulated 790 runs from 15 matches in the domestic circuit at an average of 46, featuring one century and five half-centuries.

This series against England marks India’s third assignment in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and their first on home soil. Previously, they clinched a 1-0 victory in a two-match series against West Indies and drew 1-1 with South Africa in a two-match series earlier this year.

India’s Squad for the First Two Tests vs England:

– Rohit Sharma (C)

– Shubman Gill

– Yashasvi Jaiswal

– Virat Kohli

– Shreyas Iyer

– KL Rahul (WK)

– KS Bharat (WK)

– Dhruv Jurel (WK)

– Ravichandran Ashwin

– Ravindra Jadeja

– Axar Patel