“The team management also likes him” – Irfan Pathan’s massive claim on Team India star ahead of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

**Irfan Pathan Backs Dhruv Jurel to Cement Test Middle Order Spot Ahead of South Africa Series**

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Dhruv Jurel is sitting on a golden opportunity to secure his place in India’s Test middle order, citing the young wicket-keeper batter’s impressive form and the current backing from team management.

Jurel, in a rich vein of form, has notched up four centuries in his last eight innings as India gears up for the upcoming home series against South Africa. He notably stepped in seamlessly for Rishabh Pant following Pant’s injury during the England tour, and further impressed by scoring his maiden Test century early in the home series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.

More recently, Jurel struck twin hundreds during the second unofficial Test against South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru, further strengthening his credentials. With Rishabh Pant nearing a comeback, Jurel is now making an increasingly strong case to be included as a pure batter for India.

**Pathan Lauds Jurel’s Emergence**

Irfan Pathan didn’t hold back in his praise for Jurel’s recent performances, expressing his confidence on his YouTube channel:

> “The way Dhruv Jurel is playing, he has to be in the playing XI. The team management also likes him. He can play as a pure batter. If Dhruv Jurel plays, India will have three wicket-keepers in their playing XI as Rahul and Pant will also be there. I hope Jurel gets a long run. Even going forward, on overseas pitches, he could prove to be a good batter,” Pathan said.

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also hinted at Jurel’s inclusion for the first Test, adding to the anticipation around the wicket-keeper batter’s Test future.

**Nitish Kumar Reddy Released for India ‘A’, Pathan Suggests Alternative Use**

Shortly after the team announcements, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was released to join the India ‘A’ squad for List A matches against South Africa ‘A’ in Rajkot. Pathan, however, felt India could have benefited by using the young all-rounder as a third seamer in the first Test.

> “So, under such circumstances, there is a lot of responsibility on Bumrah and Siraj. They released Nitish Kumar Reddy to play for India ‘A’ as well. I actually thought Nitish Kumar Reddy could play here as a third seamer, and can bat too. So, I think India will go with two pacers and three spinners for this game,” he added.

Reddy has recently returned from a quadriceps injury and neck spasms suffered during the Australia white-ball tour, during which he featured in two ODIs, while Shivam Dube took on the all-rounder’s role for the T20I series.

**Kuldeep Yadav’s Preparation and Form Under the Scanner**

Addressing India’s spin options, Pathan also discussed wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s recent red-ball performance. Kuldeep was released from the T20I squad during the Australia tour to prepare for the Test series and featured for India ‘A’ in the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru. He returned figures of 1/66 and 0/81 as South Africa ‘A’ chased down a hefty target of 417 runs.

Pathan commented on Kuldeep’s form:

> “Kuldeep Yadav was released from the T20I squad in Australia so that he could get some red-ball cricket before the Test. The South Africa ‘A’ batters played well against him, and it was not like Kuldeep left them on all fours or something. But even then, you expect that after Kuldeep was sent in to play the India ‘A’ game after so much planning, after being released from the T20I squad midway through the series, he has got to play,” he opined.

**First Test Details**

The much-awaited first Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 14, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. All eyes will be on squad selection, as Jurel, Kuldeep, and other young prospects look to make their mark on the big stage.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-the-team-management-also-likes-him-irfan-pathan-s-massive-claim-team-india-star-ahead-ind-vs-sa-2025-1st-test

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