India A stumble to 255 courtesy Jurel’s unbeaten 132 after they were in trouble against a fired-up SA A attack.
Dhruv Jurel’s fighting 132* lifts India A to 255.
It has been difficult to overlook Dhruv Jurel’s recent performance. His consistency and developing maturity as a hitter were demonstrated with scores of 124, 44, and 6* against the West Indies. Jurel is now presenting a compelling argument to be viewed only as a specialist batter, given the impending return of Rishabh Pant to the Test team.
If India chooses to bolster their middle order with a specialist No. 6 rather than an all-rounder, that scenario may soon come to pass. Jurel and Nitish Reddy may face off in the competition for that position.
India A is in serious difficulty against a fierce South Africa on Thursday. At the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Jurel’s lower-order rearguard attacked a green seamer, stabilising the innings and guiding it to respectability. He scored his fourth first-class century while travelling; astonishingly, three of those have occurred since June.
He scored a fantastic hundred on a turner against Australia A in Lucknow just a few months back. The way he stabilised a faltering innings in seaming conditions was similarly impressive. He contributed to adding 131 for the final three wickets from 124 for 7.
Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel’s other rival for a middle order spot in India A’s XI on Thursday, only managed five, his third consecutive single-digit total. Padikkal, who most last played for India in November in Perth, may have fallen behind in the fight for a recall despite having made an impression against Australia A and in the Ranji Trophy, just like Jurel.
Abhimanyu Easwaran started the morning with a three-ball duck, losing out once more for India A after playing down the wrong line to a nip-backer from Okhule Cele that trapped him plumb in front.
When the wicketkeeper ran into Kuldeep Yadav on 2, he landed awkwardly on the ground with his helmet bouncing up, giving him an early concussion concern. He battled his way against some excellent seam bowling after regaining his composure after a few awkward moments. Just before tea, Kuldeep helped add 79 for the eighth wicket after being reprieved on 7 by Zubayr Hamza in the slips. Jurel, who was reliable, patient, and never took a risky shot, reached a half-century off 62 balls.
When the ball was in motion, Jurel was equally skilled off the front and back foot, cutting and driving fiercely. Playing late and getting a huge forward stride off the seamers to compensate for any late movement was the key to his knock. Jurel skilfully changed gears to swat away the bad balls after initially playing with his bat near to the body and focused on occupying the crease. He eventually reached his century off 146 deliveries to single-handedly save India A on a bowling day.