IND vs ENG: Dhruv Jurel Likely To Replace KS Bharat In Rajkot Test - Report

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Uncapped Dhruv Jurel is in line to make his Team India debut as the wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly set to replace KS Bharat in the upcoming third Test against England, starting from Thursday (February 15) in Rajkot.

According to a report from Times of India, the decision makers may have lost patience with Bharat, who has contributed very little in his seven Test appearances so far, and the management may explore the option of playing Jurel in the next match.

"Bharat's batting has been well below-par, while his 'keeping hasn't been great either. He isn't making use of his chances," a source told TOI.

"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."

Bharat has so far played in 7 Tests, scoring 221 runs with a best of 44 at an average of 20.09. Among his 7 Test appearances, 6 have been at home, where he averages 21.44.

The 30-year-old has also executed 19 dismissals behind the stumps with 18 catches and 1 stumping. But his keeping also was not upto the mark in the second Test, where he missed a stumping chance.

Following Rishabh Pant's injury, the wicketkeeping position in Team India has been shared by five other players - Bharat, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Jitesh Sharma. And Bharat had a great opportunity to make the spot his own in Tests.

However, Bharat's time may have finally run out after failure in the four innings against England. With Kishan out of the picture and Rahul unlikely to don the gloves, this provides a great opportunity for Jurel to make his debut for the national team.

In 15 First-Class matches, Jurel, who announced his arrival in last year's IPL with Rajasthan Royals, has scored 790 runs at an average of 46.47, with one century and five fifties, along with a top score of 249.

The 22-year-old scored 50 against the England Lions in a four-day game at Ahmedabad last month, and 69 against South Africa A at Benoni in December in a four-day match.