(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat might have run of chances as his back-up Dhruv Jurel is reported to be in line for his international debut in the third Test match of the ongoing series against England, commencing on February 15 in Rajkot.
Bharat, who made his Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, has played most of the red-ball games for India in Rishabh Pant’s absence.
Despite being severly backed, he has not been able to deliver with the bat in the seven Tests he has played so far in his career. He is yet to hit a fifty and averages just 20.09 after 12 innings. The 30-year-old has recorded the scores of 41, 28, 6 and 17 in the England series so far.
Due to Bharat’s lackluster returns, the Indian team management is considering to hand Jurel his maiden Test cap in Rajot, as reported by The Times of India.
“Bharat’s batting has been well below-par, while his ‘keeping hasn’t been great either. He isn’t making use of his chances. Jurel, on the other hand, is talented, has a good attitude and has a bright future. He has done well for Uttar Pradesh, India A and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Don’t be surprised if Jurel makes his Test debut at Rajkot,” a source said as quoted to TOI.
Jurel got picked for the senior Indian team for the first team in January 2024 for the England assignment. In 15 first-class matches, he has amassed 790 runs at an average of 46.47 with the highest of 249.