Dhruv Jurel can be the X-factor that India are looking for in Australia – Suresh Raina backs wicket-keeper to open in Perth Test

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has put his weight behind Dhruv Jurel to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the opening Test match against Australia at Perth in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma. Jurel scored an impressive knock of 80 runs off 186 balls in the first innings of the second unofficial Test against Australia A while playing at the Melbourne Cricket Academy after coming out to bat when the visitors were struggling at 11-4.

Jurel also impressed in the five-match Test series against England in the absence of injured Rishabh Pant. The right-hander was able to grab his opportunity with both hands as he impressed not only behind the wickets but also delivered as a batter.

Jurel scored 190 runs in three Test matches at an average of 63.33 against England. The youngster also scored a match-winning knock of 90 runs off 149 balls in the first innings of the fourth Test at Ranchi.

“KL Rahul has a lot of experience. Not to forget, Dhruv Jurel. You never know, they might ask him to open also. It can happen. The coach has to take the call. Jurel can be the X-factor that India are looking for in Australia,” Suresh Raina said in an interview with Times of India.

“You can try him in the first Test. I know when Rohit Sharma comes back, he will open but why not give a chance to a youngster who has done really well. I think they should consider Jurel as an opener when Rohit is not there,” Raina opined.

Speaking on Rohit Sharma’s decision to stay with his wife for the birth of his second child, Raina said, “Rohit has a personal reason. His wife is expecting (their second child). That’s the most important thing in his life (currently).”

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah is all set to lead India in the opening Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Raina feels Bumrah will be India’s future Test captain if he does well.

“Gauti bhai (coach Gautam Gambhir) said in the media that Jasprit has that astute leadership (quality), and I think he will be different. Like if you see Pat Cummins, he won the World Cup for them (Australia), has done really well as a player and as a captain. I think Bumrah is close to that. If you look at it from the point of an opportunity, it’s a gun opportunity for him. If he does well, I think we will have a future leader in Test cricket,” Raina said in the same interview.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.