Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar picked Dhruv Jurel’s performance as one of the biggest positives after the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. 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.
Manjrekar said Jurel is a batter who can convert his starts and it would be interesting to note his batting position on the New Zealand tour.
Manjrekar said on his Instagram handle, “In Devdutt Padikkal, India have found a very good No.3. Then Dhruv Jurel, a steady influence on a team packed with Rishabh Pant and other attacking players. This is a guy who is pretty orthodox and old-fashioned and cashes in on starts, making the 40s and 50s into big hundreds. We’ll see how he goes in New Zealand and whether he bats in that position or somewhere else.”
The cricketer-turned-commentator said Manav Suthar was the biggest positive in the bowling department for India. Suthar bagged 16 wickets in two Test matches against Sri Lanka at an average of 21.06.
“Manav Suthar is the perfect foil for Jadeja. Manav Suthar’s true value will be seen on pitches that aren’t obvious turners, especially pitches in Australia and South Africa, where there is more bounce. Because of his overspin, he’s the kind of bowler India have always needed,” said Manjrekar.
On the other hand, Manjrekar noted that Indian players accepted a draw on the final day of the second Test despite being in a winning position against Sri Lanka at the start of the final day.
“When the Indian players realized they were not going to win the second Test, there was acceptance. But it wasn’t one of resignation, or they didn’t give up the match. It was acceptance out of appreciation for the opposition and one guy, Sonal Dinusha,” said Manjrekar (via the aforementioned source).
India slipped to a PCT of 51.52 in the ongoing WTC after the drawn game.
