‘Virat, Sachin was batting at 4’: Former Indian wicketkeeper slams Dhruv Jurel after Guwahati duck | Cricket News
Young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel found himself under pressure after a tough outing in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. With captain Shubman Gill ruled out, Jurel was thrust into the No.4 role, a position long associated with Indian batting giants such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and which Gill had handled with confidence during the England-South Africa series. But the promotion did not go as planned. Coming in under pressure, Jurel lasted 11 balls before being dismissed for a duck, adding to India’s already troubled batting display. The shooting that led to his firing became the main topic of discussion. While trying to pull Keshav Maharaj, Jurel looked hesitant and his footwork never settled. The result was a poorly timed shot that traveled straight down the middle.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel did not hesitate in his assessment on Star Sports. He criticized the shot selection, calling it a moment where Jurel showed little control. “Even though Tea was far away, that shot shouldn’t have been played. He’s in the team as a hitter because he scored runs, but it wasn’t a controlled shot at all,” Patel said. He explained that when a batter attempts to hit a ball that is outside the right shoulder toward the leg side, it often goes airborne, which is exactly how Jurel fell. Patel also highlighted the importance of spot No. 4, reminding viewers that Tendulkar and Kohli have dominated this role for years, and that Gill has done the same recently. He further noted that Jurel had once again wasted an opportunity, notably against Marco Jansen, whose extra rebound is well known. “When you play Jansen, you always have to factor in bounce because of his height. This is the third opportunity in a row that he has missed. He happens to bat at No. 4, where some of the biggest names in Indian cricket have batted, including Shubman Gill who has scored big goals there,” Patel added.
