India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Wednesday confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel will feature in the playing XI alongside Rishabh Pant for the opening Test against South Africa, starting Friday at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Jurel, who scored his maiden Test century during India’s 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies, has maintained his superb form with unbeaten knocks of 132 and 127 for India A in the recent red-ball games against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

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Despite speculation over whether Jurel would retain his spot following Pant’s return from a fractured right foot, his consistency with the bat has ensured his place in the side.

The only previous occasion when the two played together was during the 2024

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