Indian team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has suggested that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy may have to make way to accommodate the in-form Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa. Jurel has been in sublime touch, having scored twin centuries in the recent second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A.
India face a selection conundrum ahead of the home series, as it marks the return of star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant from injury. While Pant is expected
to slot straight back into the playing XI, his return raises questions about the positions of other middle-order players. Both Jurel and Reddy had featured in India’s two-match home Test series against the West Indies during Pant’s absence. Ten Doeschate acknowledged that, given the team combination, Reddy is unlikely to retain his spot in the playing XI.
"Our position hasn't changed on Nitish. He didn't get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he'll miss out from the XI this week," Ten Doeschate said in a pre-match press conference as quoted by RevSportz.
"Very important to balance the batting depth and specialist bowlers. We don't want to sacrifice someone just to bring in an all-rounder for the sake of it," he added.
The assistant coach emphasised that Jurel’s current form justifies his inclusion in the playing XI, even though India’s wicketkeeping role is already secured with the return of Pant. The pair have featured together for India only once, when Jurel first broke into the side during Pant’s recovery from a major injury, and Jurel soon reverted to a backup role once the senior keeper regained full fitness.
"I don't think you can leave him (Jurel) out of this Test. Someone will have to miss out. That's a simple answer. He is certain to play this week. I'll be surprised if we don't see Dhruv and Rishabh play together," Ten Doeschate said.
The only occasion on which Pant and Jurel have featured together in an Indian playing XI was during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar series opener in Perth. The first Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 14, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
