Dhruv Jurel is stepping up to fill the big shoes of Rishabh Pant in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. With Pant sidelined due to a fractured toe, Jurel is all but certain to make his first official appearance on English soil in the pivotal fifth Test.

Jurel has already had a taste of Test cricket, making his debut against England in Rajkot in February 2024. He further solidified his place in the team with a "Player-of-the-Match" performance in Ranchi. In that match, he scored a crucial 90 in the first innings and an unbeaten 39 in the second, showcasing his composure and ability to perform under pressure. His contributions were pivotal in India's series-clinching victory. Jurel's impressive performance in Ranchi included a resilient 90 and a match-turning 76-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav. He then followed it up with a gritty 39 not out, guiding India to a win from a precarious 120/5 situation.

Throughout the ongoing series, Jurel has been tested, having already kept wickets in the earlier Tests, gaining valuable experience and developing a rapport with the bowlers. He stepped in as a substitute wicketkeeper in both the third Test at Lord's and the fourth Test in Manchester after Pant sustained injuries. In the third Test, he took three catches. In the fourth Test, he made history by becoming the first substitute wicketkeeper to effect two stumpings in a Test innings.

Experts and coaches alike have expressed confidence in Jurel's abilities. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has described Jurel as an "outstanding talent" who is well-prepared for the challenge at The Oval. Kotak highlighted Jurel's good wicket-keeping skills and talent with the bat. Gautam Gambhir, India's coach, has also been a source of encouragement for Jurel, even hinting at an opportunity for him to feature in the series. Gambhir has praised Jurel's keeping and believes he can be the backbone of India's middle order.

Jurel's journey to this point has been marked by patience and hard work. He last played a Test for India in November 2024, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. Despite the long wait for another opportunity, he remained motivated and focused. His early preparation for the series included playing two matches for India A in England, where he scored three consecutive fifties.

Former India and Royals captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded Jurel's temperament during the ongoing Test series between England and India. Rahane noted how Jurel remained calm and composed while keeping wickets, and also gave helpful suggestions.

While Jurel is the frontrunner for the wicketkeeper's role, another contender is N Jagadeesan. However, Jurel's prior experience in the series, familiarity with the team, and understanding of the English conditions make him a logical choice for the decisive fifth Test.