Cheteshwar Pujara No. 6 India vs South Africa — Former India batting star Cheteshwar Pujara has backed in-form wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel to occupy the crucial No. 6 slot in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. With India beginning their two-match Test series on November 14, selection debates are in full swing, but Pujara believes Jurel has earned his place through sheer performance and consistency.
Dhruv Jurel’s Form Sparks No. 6 Debate
Pujara highlighted that Jurel’s recent run — a maiden Test century on a green pitch in Ahmedabad followed by twin hundreds for India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru — has made him impossible to overlook. According to Pujara, “Dhruv Jurel definitely deserves a spot in the playing eleven… I believe that he will bat at number six.”
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also hinted that both Jurel and Rishabh Pant will feature together in the XI, especially after all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was released from the squad.
Cheteshwar Pujara No. 6 India vs South Africa: Predicted Batting Order
Pujara expects minimal changes at the top, predicting the following batting lineup:
- KL Rahul & Yashasvi Jaiswal — openers
- Sai Sudharsan — No. 3
- Shubman Gill — No. 4
- Rishabh Pant — No. 5
- Dhruv Jurel — No. 6
He added that Jurel’s aggressive strokeplay and composure would strengthen India’s middle order against the Proteas’ strong pace attack.
All-Round Team Balance: Spin vs Pace Combination
According to Pujara, team balance will depend heavily on the nature of the Kolkata pitch. India could opt for three spinners and two seamers, though the final call will depend on conditions.
“Depending on the pitch, but most likely it will be three spinners and two seamers,” Pujara said. This mirrors India’s recent home strategy, especially on dry surfaces that favour spin as the game progresses.
Akash Deep’s Local Advantage — But Will He Make the XI?
Paceman Akash Deep played two Ranji Trophy matches at Eden Gardens last month, giving him direct insight into the pitch. However, Pujara feels the bowler may still narrowly miss selection if India stick with the Bumrah-Siraj pace duo.
“He is a quality bowler… but if there are only two seamers, he might be missing out,” Pujara said, though he praised Akash Deep’s new-ball swing, reverse swing potential, and high energy levels.
Still, Pujara believes the black-soil pitch at Eden could offer reverse swing, making Akash a potential game-changer if selected.
Dhruv Jurel–Rishabh Pant Partnership: A New Middle-Order Weapon
Jurel’s pairing with Pant is one of the most exciting aspects of the selection puzzle. In India A’s Bengaluru match, the duo smashed a 54-ball 82-run stand, giving India a glimpse of a dynamic, counterattacking lower middle order. This chemistry might play a decisive role against South Africa’s world-class bowling attack.
Why Cheteshwar Pujara No. 6 India vs South Africa View Matters
Pujara has long been India’s anchor in Test cricket, and his assessment carries weight. With India in a transition phase, his endorsement of young talents like Jurel reflects confidence in the next generation’s ability to step up in high-pressure home series.
As the stage sets for the first Test, the talks around Jurel’s selection reflect not only form but India’s evolving approach — aggressive, flexible, and youth-driven.
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