Aakash Chopra has urged India’s team management to make a tough call—drop Nitish Kumar Reddy and include Dhruv Jurel in the playing eleven for the first Test against South Africa starting November 14 in Kolkata. The former India opener believes Jurel’s blistering form makes him impossible to ignore.​

The Selection Headache

India face a tricky situation with two wicketkeepers in red-hot form. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant returns from a toe injury and will don the gloves. But Jurel has made an overwhelming case for selection with his recent performances.​

Since the start of the home season, Jurel has piled up scores of 140, 1 & 56, 125, 44 & 6, and 132 and 127 not out. He scored his maiden Test century against the West Indies in October and followed it with twin centuries for India A against South Africa A.​

In the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru, Jurel became only the second Indian after Naman Ojha to score centuries in both innings of an A-Test match. His unbeaten knocks of 132 and 127 came while batting in the middle order, showcasing his ability to adapt to different positions.​

Chopra’s Solution: Drop Nitish Reddy

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra laid out the dilemma. “Both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant are there in the squad. Rishabh Pant will play. He is the vice-captain. He is going to play, and he should play,” Chopra said.​

“But I feel Dhruv Jurel should also play. A place should be created for him in the XI. The question will be whether you will compromise Sai Sudharsan from the top or Nitish Kumar Reddy from lower in the order,” he added.​

Chopra’s verdict was clear—sacrifice Nitish Reddy. “I think Sai Sudharsan should be allowed to play at No. 3. You haven’t got Nitish Kumar Reddy to do his job properly thus far. So you can actually sacrifice him and keep Dhruv Jurel there,” the former opener stated.​

Why Drop Nitish?

Reddy played both Tests against the West Indies but hasn’t been utilized much with the ball in home conditions. Apart from a quickfire 40-odd in the second Test in Delhi, his contributions have been limited.​

India won’t miss his bowling on familiar pitches. With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar set to bat at numbers seven and eight, followed by Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, India still has five bowling options.​

Jurel as a Specialist Batter Reports suggest India are leaning toward playing Jurel purely as a batter, not as a backup keeper. A BCCI source told PTI, “Jurel is likely to play as a specialist batter. Ideally, there are two slots where he could be fitted in. One was Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 but he has a half-century in his last Test and the team management wants a settled No. 3”.​

“The other place is Nitish Kumar Reddy and he can’t be played ahead of Jurel considering that his bowling won’t be required much in these Indian conditions,” the source added.​

Jurel’s Impressive Numbers

In seven Tests for India, Jurel has scored 430 runs at an average of 47.77. In first-class cricket, he averages 58.00 across 30 matches with five centuries. He recently crossed 2,000 first-class runs, now standing at 2,019 runs.​

His technique against pace, composure under pressure, and tidy glovework have impressed veterans. The 24-year-old has been named Player of the Series in the recently concluded India A-South Africa A series.​

Team Management’s Thinking

The team management appears convinced. Jurel has broken down the door with his performances, forcing selectors to find a spot for him despite Pant’s availability. His consistency—three centuries, a fifty, and a forty-plus score in his last eight first-class innings—makes overlooking him nearly impossible.​

The decision to play both Jurel and Pant would give India batting depth while keeping their wicketkeeping options open. If Pant’s fitness becomes a concern during the match, Jurel can seamlessly take over behind the stumps.

The Sai Sudharsan Factor

While Chopra suggested keeping Sudharsan at number three, the young left-hander has also been under scrutiny. However, his half-century in his last Test gives him some breathing room. The management wants a settled number three, especially against South Africa’s potent pace attack.​

What’s at Stake

The two-match Test series against South Africa begins in Kolkata on November 14, with the second match starting in Guwahati on November 22. Both matches are crucial for India’s World Test Championship hopes.​

South Africa are the reigning WTC champions and will present a stern challenge. India need their best eleven on the park, and right now, Jurel’s form suggests he belongs there—even if it means making a difficult call on Nitish Reddy.