India-A all out for 255 in unofficial Test:Jurel’s century, Pant, Rahul and Sudarshan failed; Van Vuuren took 4 wickets for South Africa-A

Dhruv Jurel produced a remarkable display of skill and temperament to rescue India A from a batting collapse on the opening day of their four-day match against South Africa A. The young wicketkeeper-batter struck a superb 132 not out off 175 balls, guiding India A to a fighting total of 255 all out after being reduced to 126 for seven. Asked to bat first under cloudy conditions, India A’s top order struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. However, Jurel’s calm and composed innings became the backbone of the innings. With patience, technique, and excellent shot selection, the 24-year-old turned a difficult situation into a competitive total for his team. His partnership with Kuldeep Yadav (20 off 87 balls) added 79 vital runs for the eighth wicket, giving India A much-needed stability. By the end of the day, India A’s total of 255 looked competitive, thanks to Jurel’s outstanding knock a true display of patience, class, and maturity under pressure. Jurel’s unbeaten 132-run knock shines for IND-A Jurel’s innings was a masterclass in technique and composure. He read the conditions beautifully, adjusting to the swing and bounce on offer. His batting was built on compact defense, precise footwork, and clever shot placement rather than brute power. Even his sixes against off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen—a clean loft over long-on and a controlled slog-sweep—were strokes of timing rather than aggression. Against the pacers, especially Tshepo Moreki and Tiaan Van Vuuren (4/52), Jurel showcased great balance. He confidently guided short deliveries past point and flicked balls angled into his pads for boundaries. His ability to rotate strike kept the scoreboard moving, and his clear foot movement meant he was rarely caught off guard. Jurel reached his fourth first-class century and third in his last seven innings with a single off Van Vuuren. Earlier, he had scored tons against Australia A in Lucknow and West Indies A in Ahmedabad. KL Rahu, Rishabh Pant depart early, IND-A top order collapse India A’s top order once again failed to build a solid foundation. Sai Sudharsan (17), KL Rahul (19), and skipper Rishabh Pant (24) all got starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores. Sudharsan fell to a quicker ball from Subrayen, Rahul was caught behind off Van Vuuren, and Pant’s aggressive intent ended in a mistimed shot to mid-off. Openers Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal also departed early, leaving the team in deep trouble before Jurel and Kuldeep’s steady partnership revived the innings.