Pant has been out for the Tests against the West Indies last month after fracturing his foot. Under ordinary circumstances, he would return to just reclaim the gloves. Not this time. The anticipated shuffling would see Nitish Kumar Reddy going out, not Jurel.
Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, inadvertently revealed more than a little in the pre-match briefing before the first Test in Kolkata on November 14. The smile was the evidence before his words were the evidence.
JUREL’S FORM LEAVES NO ROOM FOR DEBATE
Jurel scored his first hundred on Test debut in Ahmedabad against the West Indies and has not taken a step back. He has four first class hundreds in his last eight innings, and threw two for India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru. That's not a purple patch, that's a proclamation.
"I don't think you can leave him out, that's the short answer," Ten Doeschate said bluntly. "Obviously that means someone will be out. But we have a clear idea of our best playing eleven." You could almost hear his conviction.
INDIA'S SPIN MAKEUP SHOWS OUT TOO
India's makeup is just insane at the moment. Jadeja, Axar, and Washington are each at least strong enough to bat at 7 and bowl a full spell. Ten Doeschate made the point that allows for both keepers without disturb to the make up.
"From how Dhruv has been performing, particularly the hundreds in Bangalore, he will definitely play," he said. "With Washy, Axar, and Jaddu, we have three batters who spin. So we have options. Honestly, I'd be surprised if both Dhruv and Rishabh aren't playing."
NITISH REDDY - THE UNLUCKY ONE
India had attempted to go with a three-allrounder option with Jadeja, Washington and Reddy in the West Indies. Looked good on paper, but didn't really work. Reddy hardly bowled and made one score with his bat. They had said they would try to develop him as a seam bowling all-rounder, but South Africa is definitely not the place to be trying things out.
"Teams always try to pick a winning team. You can certainly add some development, but not when the series is going the same way. Reddy will probably have to be rested this time," Ten Doeschate said.
SOUTH AFRICA'S SPIN TRIO IS A CONCERN
South Africa have come off a drawn 1–1 series against Pakistan, their spinners doing the heavy lifting. Maharaj, Harmer and Muthusamy took 33 wickets between them in the two Tests and all averaged under 22. Not a coincidence, but a warning shot.
Ten Doeschate also stated, "They’ll no doubt play three spinners again. Normally, when you think of South Africa, your first concern is pace. This time, their spin unit is real."
India's camp has been candid about their troubles against high-quality spin, particularly after the 3–0 home defeat last year against New Zealand. Ten Doeschate said, "We’ve had a couple of hiccups against spin, there is no sense in denying that. But we have also worked really hard, and this is our opportunity to show we have progressed. We trained really well for these exact types of conditions."
THE OPINION
As we enter Kolkata, it feels as though the message has been received: Dhruv Jurel is no longer a substitute; he is fully entitled to his place. His composure, timing, and knack to turn pressure into momentum has impressed everyone in the dressing room.
With Pant back in the side, Jadeja and Axar present and the spinners of both teams fine-tuning their things, we can feel that this series will be a real thriller. India looks confident; South Africa is a dangerous side. This is cricket as it should be, tense, close, unpredictable.
