- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs SA 1st Test: Dhruv Jurel is all set to retain his position in India's playing XI for the series opener against South Africa, which will begin on Friday in Kolkata, even though Rishabh Pant is also part of the side. As per Ryan Ten Doeschate, who is India's assistant coach, revealed in the press conference that Jurel will be playing in the series opener, and Pant, who is the preferred wicketkeeper batter in this format, will be replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI.
Nitish did play in the two-match Test series against West Indies last month, but had batted and bowled just once.
“I think we have got a pretty good idea of the combination. Given the way Dhruv has gone in the last six months, scoring two hundreds (against South Africa A) in Bengaluru last week. He is certain to play this week," Ten Doeschate told reporters in the pre-match press conference.
“The primary thing is to set out a strategy to win the game. Our position certainly hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get much game time in Australia. But I would say, given the importance of this series and given the conditions we think we are going to face, he (Nitish Kumar Reddy) might miss out in this Test this week," he said.
Reddy, who made his debut in this format against Australia last year, has played in nine Test matches and has scored 386 runs and taken eight wickets.
Ganguly backed Jurel
Last week, Sourav Ganguly backed Jurel's selection in India's playing XI but only as a batter.
“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically, the spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), and (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage? I wouldn’t know… But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 — whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan or bring in our in-form Dhruv. We’ll find out," he added.