'Place open at the moment': Dhruv Jurel's ton puts Sai Sudharsan on high alert, Gavaskar notes 'can bat at 3'

Dhruv Jurel slams maiden Test ton (BCCI Photo)

Dhruv Jurel has presented a strong case for himself as Rishabh Pant remains on the sideline, recovering from a toe injury that he sustained during the tour of England.

Jurel was excellent behind the stumps in the ongoing Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad. He was involved in four dismissals as West Indies were dismissed for 162/10 inside 45 overs.

He has now raised his stocks as a batter by slamming his maiden Test century on Day 2 of the clash. And in doing so he has already impressed legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar, who explained how he can fill India's No. 3 gap in Tests.

Also Read | 'Trophy should not be handed over': Ex-PAK player notes India's actions towards Mohsin Naqvi 'third-rate'

"I think when Rishabh Pant is fit, he will automatically come back to the playing XI. But Jurel can still play in the team as a batter. I think there's a place still open at the moment.

"At number 3 maybe, there's a place over there for him. Because he plays pace well, we've seen that so he can bat at three, not taking anything away from Sai Sudharshan. But to be able to have these options is fantastic as far as Indian team is concerned," the 'Lil Master' noted on commentary.

Gavaskar's comments at a time when India have experimented Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 in the red-ball setup. Ever since the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill has occupied the No. 4 slot, a position which Virat had made his own. And KL Rahul now opens the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, a role performed by Rohit earlier. Both legendary cricketers had announced retirement from Test cricket earlier this year.

Explained: How Saudi Arabia is changing the face of International Sports

Meanwhile, for Sudharsan batting at No. 3 has not been kind. He was dismissed for 7(19) by Roston Chase in the match and managed 140 from six innings at an average of 23.33 in England. Those six innings featured one fifty-plus score and two ducks.