Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has showered praise on Dhruv Jurel after the second Test match against Sri Lanka. Vihari said Jurel’s technique is good enough to bat at number four.
Jurel impressed one and all as he scored an unbeaten knock of 115 runs in the first innings of the second Test match at Colombo. The right-hander also scored a decent knock of 51 runs off 68 balls in the first innings of the opening Test match.
Jurel scored 173 runs in two Test matches at an average of 86.50. The right-hander batted with great control throughout the series and reaped rewards for putting in the hard yards.
“The way Dhruv Jurel batted at number six, his technique is good enough to bat No.4 as well. He has the ability to bat in the top five just as a pure batter. He is technically sound, has the temperament, can bat with the tail, he’s got every shot in the book. I think he is one of the better players of spin, so he is very important in this squad going forward,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, Vihari reckons Devdutt Padikkal has sealed his number three spot after performing consistently in the domestic circuit and the series against Sri Lanka. Padikkal scored a total of 328 runs in three innings against the Lankans at an average of 109.33.
“It was crucial for India to win the toss in both games, which they did. Devdutt Padikkal batted very well in both games. If Sai had been there, he may not have gotten to. But that is a different thing. He has sealed his spot at number three. He is in prime form. Not just in Ranji Trophy, not just in IPL, but he has translated it to Test cricket as well. He batted tremendously well. I think the number three spot is finally fixed after a long time, and others will have to wait for their chance,” he said.
Vihari reckons Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form could be concerning for the team. The left-hander scored 77 runs in three innings at an average of 25.67 against Sri Lanka.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form is one concerning thing. As an opener, you expect better from him. He was looking in good touch in the second Test but could not convert it. This is something Shubman Gill and Co. will worry about. Compared to the last series against New Zealand and South Africa, the Indian batters did well overall and they played spin really well.”
India’s next Test assignment is a two-match series against New Zealand.
