Archive · 9 Nov 2025
India Divided on No. 6 Selection: Jurel vs. Reddy for South Africa Test
India's cricket team has a tricky choice to make for the number six batting spot in their upcoming Test match against South Africa.
Two players are in the running: Dhruv Jurel, who has been batting very well and scored many runs, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is an all-rounder and can also bowl a bit.
Former players like Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina have different ideas.
Patel thinks Jurel has shown he can score runs and deserves a place as a pure batter.
Raina, however, believes that with other good all-rounders and spinners already in the team, it's tough for Jurel to fit in.
He also thinks Nitish Reddy could be useful if the team needs an extra bowler, especially with the tricky early conditions in Kolkata.
The final decision will depend on what the coach and captain think is best for the team's balance.
India faces a selection dilemma for the No. 6 batting position in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, choosing between Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Parthiv Patel advocates for Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batter, citing his consistent run-scoring and suitability for the No. 6 role.
Suresh Raina suggests that the strong presence of all-rounders like Jadeja and Washington, along with other spin options, makes it difficult for Jurel to find a spot.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is considered for his potential as a third seamer, particularly given Kolkata's early morning conditions.
The final decision depends on whether the team prioritizes a specialist batter or an all-rounder to achieve the desired team balance for the Test match.
- Who
- Parthiv Patel, Suresh Raina (former India cricketers), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gautam Gambhir (India head coach), Shubman Gill (India captain)
- What
- Debate and differing opinions among former cricketers regarding the selection of either Dhruv Jurel or Nitish Kumar Reddy for the No. 6 batting position in the first Test against South Africa.
- When
- Ahead of the first Test against South Africa, starting November 14.
- Where
- Kolkata (Eden Gardens)
- Why
- The decision hinges on the team's preferred balance between a specialist batter and an all-rounder, with considerations for Kolkata's early morning conditions and the presence of other strong all-rounders and spinners in the squad.
Parthiv Patel's View (Focus on Batting)
Suresh Raina's View (Focus on Bowling)
Selection Rationale for No. 6
Parthiv Patel's View (Focus on Batting)
Parthiv Patel believes Dhruv Jurel has performed well enough to be selected as a specialist batter for the No. 6 position, highlighting his consistent run-scoring irrespective of batting order and management's past confidence in him as a batter.
Suresh Raina's View (Focus on Bowling)
Suresh Raina suggests that given the strong form of all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who can also bat, it becomes difficult for a specialist batter like Dhruv Jurel to secure a spot. He also points out the possibility of playing three pacers or three spinners, further complicating Jurel's inclusion.
Team Combination and Conditions
Parthiv Patel's View (Focus on Batting)
Parthiv Patel suggests that Nitish Kumar Reddy could be considered as a third seamer, especially with early morning conditions in Kolkata, which might allow for three spinners in the second innings. However, he reiterates that if the team wants an all-rounder, Reddy might get the nod over Jurel.
Suresh Raina's View (Focus on Bowling)
Suresh Raina emphasizes getting the bowling combination right for the Eden Gardens pitch. He mentions the potential for three pacers (Siraj, Bumrah, Akash Deep) or three spinners, and crucially advocates for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion due to his mystery spin against South Africa's right-handed heavy middle order, which impacts the overall team balance and potentially Jurel's chances.
- Key Players in Debate
- Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Series
- India vs. South Africa, First Test
- Venue
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Rishabh Pant's Status
- Returned as wicketkeeper, potentially limiting Jurel/Reddy's spot.
- Jurel's Recent Performances
- Back-to-back centuries for India A vs. South Africa A; performed well previously in Pant's absence.
- Parthiv Patel's Stance
- Supports Jurel as a specialist batter; Reddy considered for third seamer role in Kolkata.
- Suresh Raina's Stance
- Focuses on bowling combination; highlights Jadeja/Sundar/Axar/Kuldeep's potential inclusion, making Jurel's place difficult.
- Test Start Date
- November 14
Sources
Dhruv Jurel’s Hot Streak To Earn Him Kolkata Test Spot As Specialist Batter: Report
Dhruv Jurel In, Melbourne Hero Dropped: India's Likely XI For 1st Test Vs South Africa Revealed - Report
Ashwin backs Jurel to seal spot in Playing XI for SA Tests
Dhruv Jurel’s red-hot form puts Gautam Gambhir in a selection dilemma: 'Likely to play as a specialist batter'
Will Jurel play as specialist batter in SA Tests?
Dhruv Jurel or Nitish Kumar Reddy at six for India against South Africa? Parthiv Patel analyses: ‘The only thing is the combination you want to play with’
