Kolkata : 23 years old keeper Dhruv Jurel and pacer Prasidh Krishna have made strong contentions to earn spot into India’s Playing XI against Australia in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after good performances in recently concluded India A vs Australia A Unofficial 2 match Test Series in Australia.
Both the players have starred in their respective departments despite India A getting whitewashed 2-0.
Dhruv Jurel featured in the 2nd Test at MCG replacing Ishan Kishan who didn’t get touch in the 1st Test and only scored 36 runs.
Jurel grabbed the opportunity with both hands and fought like a lone warrior in whole crumbling Batting lineup, scoring 80 (186) & 68 (122) in front of Aussie bowlers like Neser, Boland, Webster, McAndrew, etc, where rest of the Indian Batting order struggled and got dismissed.
On other hand, KL Rahul who was likely to find a place in playing XI in India’s team struggled in both the Tests. While Batting, Rahul looked uncomfortable at the crease.
In 2nd Test, Rahul scored only 14 runs in both innings, with scores of 4(4) & 10(44). His dismissals, both being unusual bowled outs to Boland and Rocchiccioli sparked memes, criticisms over the internet.
Jurel who also showed great form in India vs England series back in January, and now this Test Series is therefore front runner to find place in Playing XI in India’s team in the first Test at Perth. Not only did he score runs with great techniques but also displayed efficient glove work behind the stumps.
As a result, out of form Rahul, who also didn’t perform well in home series defeat against New Zealand is likely to lose his place to the 23 years old Jurel.
Although Jurel might not get to keep ahead of Rishabh Pant, he could replace Rahul as a Batter in the team.
Another Indian who impressed everyone is pacer Prasidh Krishna. In 2 matches against Australia A, he picked up 10 wickets and made Aussie Batters struggle in their own soil.
While pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Md Siraj who’re experienced and formidable campaigners in Australian soil are automatic choices in Playing XI, India might go with 2 more pacers considering the conditions.
Krishna might also replace Akashdeep Singh, who saw a dip in his wicket taking ability in the Test series against New Zealand, and considering Krishna’s experience and form, he is a prime contender to feature in India’s playing XI, atleast in Perth Test, which is a Heaven for pacers.
Krishna’s pace and extra bounce will be beneficial and boost his wicket taking abilities on Australian Pitches.
India will face Australia in Perth on November 22 for 1st Test. The playing XI is yet to be announced officially. They need to win 4 out of 5 Matches to qualify into World Test Championship 2025 Final without depending on other teams.
