Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Murali Kartik said that the team management must trust wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and keep him in the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka despite the presence of Sarfaraz Khan as well. Both the batters are seemingly entangled in a selection battle for the No.6 spot as well.

Dhruv Jurel, despite his stunning numbers for India ‘A’ during the matches against Sri Lanka ‘A’ recently, failed to replicate the same for the senior team as well. He scored only 1 and 17 in the first and second innings, respectively, during the warm-up clash against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.

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“Dhruv Jurel has been a part of the side, he has been a handy Test batter, he has done exactly whatever the team has asked him to do. So, I would want him to start in the playing XI. Sarfaraz has done nothing wrong, but he is coming in as a replacement. For me, going forward, the key for the Indian team is the kind of consistency we show in the way we play and pick sides, and also the messaging,” Murali Kartik told a select group of reporters during a chat organised by Sony Sports Network.

“So it is very important that the players feel secure about their places in the playing XI. From that point of view, and also because Jurel is a wonderful wicket-keeper, if needed. So, I would want Dhruv Jurel to start,” he further added.

Team India will play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. They are currently placed fifth in the points table after
a poor home series defeat against South Africa last year as well.