Dhruv Jurel set to feature in Kolkata Test against Proteas:Ryan Ten Doeschate confirms Nitish Reddy to sit out; says – ‘Didn’t get much game time’

India’s in-form wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is all set to feature in the opening Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting Friday. Assistant coach Ryn Ten Doeschate confirmed the news during a press conference on Wednesday, while also indicating that all-rounder Nitish Reddy is likely to miss out of the playing XI. Jurel, who has been in outstanding form in recent months, earned his place on the back of consistent performances with the bat. “I think we have got a pretty good idea of the combination. Given the way Dhruv has gone in the last six months and scoring two hundreds (against South Africa A) in Bangalore last week, he is certain to play this week,” Ten Doeschate said. Jurel’s form demands selection after the WI series The young right-hander has been one of the standout performers in domestic cricket and for India A. Since the start of the home season, Jurel’s impressive sequence of scores includes 140, 1 and 56, 125, 44 and 6, 132, and 127 not out. His consistency, highlighted by three centuries, including a Test ton and one half-century in his last eight first-class innings, made his selection almost inevitable. PTI had earlier reported that Jurel would be included as a specialist batter, with the wicketkeeping duties returning to a fully fit Rishabh Pant. Jurel’s ability to play long innings under pressure and adapt to different match situations has made him a vital addition to India’s Test setup. Reddy likely to miss out Kolkata Test All-rounder Nitish Reddy, who was part of the squad during the Australia tour but got limited opportunities, may not find a place in the XI for the opening Test. “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,” Ten Doeschate explained. “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 concluded.