The debate surrounding Dhruv Jurel's potential as a long-term replacement or even a backup for Rishabh Pant has intensified following India's recent Test match at Lord's. While Jurel stepped in as a substitute wicketkeeper after Pant sustained a finger injury, his performance behind the stumps has drawn mixed reactions, sparking a wave of criticism on social media.
On the first day of the third Test between England and India, Rishabh Pant suffered a blow to his left index finger while attempting to stop a delivery. Consequently, Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties. According to ICC rules, Jurel was permitted to keep wickets with the umpires' consent but was not allowed to bat in Pant's place.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik offered a contrasting view, analyzing Jurel's technique and even comparing it favorably to Pant's. Speaking to Sky Sports, Karthik highlighted Jurel's superior balance and foot positioning, which allows him to maintain a lower stance and react more effectively to the ball. He pointed out that Jurel plants his right foot well outside off stump, providing better balance compared to Pant, whose right foot is closer to his body. Karthik also noted that Jurel is "a lot more lower and closer to the keeping pads, and the height of it as compared to Pant". Karthik's analysis included video clips illustrating Jurel's controlled movements and comparing them to instances where Pant appeared off-balance.
Despite some criticism, Jurel has also garnered praise for his wicketkeeping skills. He took a notable catch to dismiss Ollie Pope off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling, showcasing sharp reflexes and proper technique.
Even with Jurel's commendable efforts, some argue that he is not yet ready to be considered a like-for-like replacement for Pant, particularly given Pant's significant contributions with the bat. Pant has been in fine form, scoring 342 runs in the twoTests before the Lord's match, including two centuries and a half-century. If Pant is unable to bat due to his injury, India would be a player short, as Jurel cannot fill in with the bat under current regulations.
While Jurel's wicketkeeping skills have been a topic of discussion, his potential as a batsman should also be considered. In his Test career, Jurel has played 4 matches and scored 202 runs, averaging 40.40, including one half-century. He has also demonstrated his batting prowess in other formats, such as the IPL, where he played the role of a finisher for Rajasthan Royals.
Ultimately, whether Dhruv Jurel can be a long-term backup for Rishabh Pant remains to be seen. While he has shown glimpses of promise with his wicketkeeping technique and has demonstrated his batting ability in other formats, he still has room to grow and prove himself at the highest level. The comparisons to Pant, particularly regarding batting, highlight the high standards expected of wicketkeeper-batsmen in modern cricket.
