Dhruv Jurel set to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s XI for 1st Test against South Africa

Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant to play 1st Test against South Africa. (BCCI Photo)

India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate announced on Wednesday that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will make way for in-from wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel in the first Test match against South Africa in Kolkata.

In his previous five first-class games, the 24-year-old Jurel—who has already participated in seven Test matches—has scored four hundreds, including twin hundreds against South Africa 'A' in Bengaluru last week.

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There were concerns about whether the management would make room for Jurel after first-choice wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant returned from a foot fracture he sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July.

However, Ten Doeschate stated that they were "clear" about their combination ahead of Friday's first Test at the Eden Gardens.

"I think we've got a pretty good idea of the combination, and I don't think you can leave them (Jurel and Pant) out for this Test -- that's the short answer," Ten Doeschate told reporters at a media interaction in Kolkata.

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"I would be very surprised if you don't see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test this week," he added.

After a year and a half of playing internationally, Jurel has demonstrated poise and maturity that goes beyond his experience.

His first-class form has been outstanding since mid-September 2025, with scores of 140, 56, 125, 44, 132 not out, and 127 not out in five games (including Ranji, Test, and 'A' games). It is hard to ignore him now that his first-class average has increased from 47.34 to 58.00.

"Given the way Dhruv (Jurel) has gone in the last six months, and scoring two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he is certain to play this week," Ten Doeschate added.

There were reports on November 8 that Pant would reclaim the wicketkeeper's gloves on his comeback and Jurel would come in as a pure batter, and Ten Doeschate confirmed on Wednesday that Nitish Reddy would be the one to miss out.

When questioned about Reddy's exclusion, the former Netherlands cricketer responded, "In the West Indies series, Nitish played both Tests and we said it was important to groom him for the future. So yes, we do look at him as a potential player who is playing to learn.

"But I also said strategy comes first. The primary thing is to set out a strategy to win the game. If you can accommodate giving guys a chance for development, that comes in."

"Our position certainly hasn't changed on Nitish. He didn't get much game time in Australia. But given the importance of this series and the conditions we think we're going to face, he (Nitish Kumar Reddy) might miss out in this Test this week," Ten Doeschate added.

The seam-bowling all-rounder bowled just four overs and was wicketless in the first Test of the West Indies series, which India won 2-0.

In one inning, he contributed 43 runs with the bat.  He scored 19 not out and 8 in two games during the subsequent ODI series in Australia.

The assistant coach also emphasized how India's spin-bowling all-rounders provide depth and versatility in the lower middle order.

"Again, like what I mentioned about Washi (Washington Sundar), Axar (Patel), and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) -- for me, you've actually got three batters there. So, it does give us a lot of flexibility," he said, suggesting that Axar Patel might replace Kuldeep Yadav in the starting line-up.