A fierce choice battle brews forward of IND vs SA 2025 1st Check as Axar Patel, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy compete for one essential spot.

New Delhi: After the thrill of the Australia tour, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup, the main target has now shifted again to Check cricket for some time. This will likely be India’s final Check sequence of the 12 months, after which there will likely be no Check matches for nearly eight months. This sequence in opposition to World Check Champions South Africa is essential for India. Since 2000, each groups have solely dominated on their house grounds. Due to this fact, coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill will wish to subject the strongest potential enjoying XI this time. Nevertheless, a tricky competitors for one spot within the workforce is predicted between three gamers – Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Kolkata Check: Three Contenders for One Spot

The Indian workforce has been deciding on gamers based mostly on the situations lately, and this technique has confirmed efficient. Nevertheless, India is enjoying a Check match at Eden Gardens after six years. The final time a Check was performed right here, it was a day-night match the place quick bowlers dominated. This time too, because of moisture and dew on the pitch, seamers are prone to get help. Due to this fact, it’s unsure whether or not the workforce will play an additional spinner or one other all-rounder.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: Balancing Bat and Ball

Nitish Kumar Reddy might be thought-about as a fast-bowling choice. Though he has not too long ago returned from harm and his type has been common, he additionally possesses batting skill, which provides depth to the workforce. He performed a helpful innings of 43 runs in opposition to the West Indies, though he didn’t get a lot alternative to bowl. He has bowled restricted overs in opposition to Australia and England, however the workforce administration may contemplate him as an all-round choice.

Axar Patel: A Problem within the Spin Division

With Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar already within the squad, there doesn’t appear to be a necessity for a fourth spinner. The Kolkata pitch is unlikely to be a turner, so Axar Patel will solely discover a place within the workforce if Sundar is dropped. Throughout Gambhir’s teaching tenure, Axar has principally been seen as a white-ball all-rounder. Sundar’s present type may give him an edge within the function of the second spinning all-rounder.

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Dhruv Jurel: Expectations Rise As a consequence of Constant Efficiency

Dhruv Jurel has been in excellent type over the previous few months. In Rishabh Pant’s absence, he scored a century in opposition to the West Indies and performed essential innings in opposition to England. He additionally scored centuries for India A in opposition to Australia A and South Africa A. In line with former opener Aakash Chopra, “Pant is the vice-captain and can play, however Jurel also needs to get a spot within the enjoying XI.” Given his type, it might be unfair to maintain him out of the enjoying XI.

Story Highlights

1. All eyes on the Kolkata Check, India’s final Check sequence of the 12 months.
2. A 3-way battle for one spot between Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel.
3. The Kolkata pitch might help seamers and all-rounders.
4. Dhruv Jurel’s constant type might pose a problem for the selectors.