Former India player turned commentator Mohammad Kaif has applauded Dhruv Jurel for scoring a fifty under pressure in the first Test against Sri Lanka. He added that Jurel hadn’t played a substantial knock lately, with Sarfaraz Khan waiting in the dug out as well. Jurel scored 51 runs off 68 balls on Day 2 (Sunday, August 16) in Galle while India finished the day at 460/9 in their first innings as well.

During a discussion on Sony Sports, Kaif said, “You will realize the importance of this as the Test match progresses, when you have to dismiss them twice, that you shouldn’t have to bat again, and if you have to chase, it should be only 50-60 runs or within 100 and not 150. The partnership came at a very crucial time when there was a collapse.”

“Jurel’s strike rate is 75, and (Devdutt) Padikkal’s is 72. He had to play fast when wickets were falling. He came and played his shots. He dominated spin by using his feet. Jurel was under pressure. He hadn’t scored a fifty in his previous seven innings. Sarfaraz Khan is sitting. He came to bat under pressure, but he converted pressure into dominance, and that’s why he is being praised,” he further added.

READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli

However, former India spinner Murali Kartik also added that Dhruv Jurel deserves praise as his place in the playing XI was under question before the game.

“Absolutely praiseworthy. There were discussions about his position before this match as to whether he merits a place in the XI. On top of that, he has been played in different positions. Wickets had fallen, and you had to score runs at a good pace,” he said.

“He bats extremely well against spin. He took calculated risks. The six he hit, it was good to see the chance he took to upset the spinner. He used soft hands when he was playing against the seamers. You will have to say that he batted extremely well given the situation and position,” he concluded.