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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma lauds Dhruv Jurel as a fantastic batter ahead of the India vs South Africa Test at Eden Gardens.
Shubman Gill and his teammate Dhruv Jurel walk back to the pavilion (Picture credit: AFP)
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has said that while playing the recent four-day game against India A at the National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he spotted India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and was really impressed with him, terming the youngster a ‘fantastic batter’.
The opening Test between India and South Africa kicks off at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 14. While Rishabh Pant has returned to the team after recovering from the foot fracture suffered during the England series, Jurel could still find a place in the XI as a specialist batter.
During an appearance on Star Sports’ show Follow the Blues, Bavuma was asked to name the Indian player who has impressed him the most.
“I was part of the South Africa A squad. We played a four-day series in Bengaluru at the Centre of Excellence. I played in the second Test and I got to see Dhruv Jurel. I think he is a fantastic batter, fantastic player,” Bavuma said.
“Technically proficient and bats at a good intensity as well. I think for the future of Indian cricket, I can see him playing a big role within that space if he continues to grow the way he is,” Bavuma added.
Jurel has amassed 430 runs at a brilliant average of 47.77 across seven Tests. He struck twin unbeaten hundreds in the second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru.
India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate confirmed on Wednesday that Jurel will feature in the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy making way for him in the playing XI.
Ten Doeschate said that the Indian team management was ‘clear’ about their combination ahead of the opening Test at the Eden Gardens starting Friday.
Now a year and a half into his international career, Jurel has shown poise and maturity beyond his experience.
November 13, 2025, 15:56 IST
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