“Don't think anyone should have an issue” – Former batter reacts to idea of playing both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel for IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel can be part of the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to be played at Eden Gardens from Friday, November 14. The cricketer-turned-commentator feels that the two wicketkeeper-batters offer high-quality batting, but warned the team management of miscommunication regarding their places in the XI. The 40-year-old wants the coach and captain to give them security to operate with confidence instead of fighting for their spots.

The statement came after Jurel smashed twin centuries against South Africa A in the second unofficial Test. Notably, the 24-year-old also slammed his maiden century against the West Indies in October. Meanwhile, Pant is making a comeback after recovering from the injury he sustained during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.

Speaking on the eve of the first Test, Uthappa said on his YouTube channel:

“The option of having two wicketkeeper-batters playing in the XI only can happen if their batting promises (an agreement) are equally as good, which, in this case, today, they feel that Dhruv and Rishabh possess similar batting promises, and we believe that Dhruv is a high-quality bat at the Test level. I think if it’s communicated well to these players, then I don’t think anyone should have an issue.” “Consistent communication with the players, especially if the players are of high calibre, of high quality, then you wanna make sure that your best players on your side feel as secure as possible. Security in that sense drives performance because if you are worried about the survival of your spot in the squad, then you’re forced out of a survival mode,” he added.

“It’s too early to fit him” – Mohammad Kaif warns Team India of using Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batter

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has warned Team India against using Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batter. He instead backed Sai Sudharsan ahead of the first Test against the Proteas. The cricketer-turned-analyst said on his YouTube channel:

“Jurel can wait. He’s a good backup for Pant. If a player is out of form, then he’ll be ready. But right now, it’s too early to fit him. See, Sai is also young. You are not backing 35-plus… If you’ve given an opportunity to a youngster, you want to give him chances. Sudharsan has the potential. If you take a risk on a player, he’s a player for the future.” “Even Jurel is a player for the future. Whenever you play him, give him 5-6 or 7 innings. He’s shown the potential. He has the talent to play for 10-12 years for India in the future. Do the same for Sai,” he added.

Jurel has amassed 430 runs in seven Tests at an average of 47.77, including the aforementioned ton against the West Indies and 90 against England at home. On the contrary, Sudharsan has scored 273 runs in five Tests, averaging 30.33, hitting two fifties.

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Edited by James Kuanal