Aakash Chopra quashes idea of playing Dhruv Jurel at one down in 2nd Test against West Indies

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has played down the idea of playing Dhruv Jurel at the number three position in Test cricket. Jurel scored an impressive knock of 125 runs in the first innings of the opening Test match against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan, who batted at number three, was dismissed after scoring only seven runs. Sudharsan has thus far scored 147 runs in four Test matches at an average of 21 and has failed to grab his opportunities with both hands.

However, Chopra said Dhruv Jurel is a middle-order batter and he should not be promoted to number three position.

“I feel No. 3 is too high. Dhruv Jurel is a phenomenal player. I can keep him at No. 6. I am absolutely okay to push Jaddu to No. 7, and then Washington Sundar at No. 8, and I am ready to play proper three bowlers after that. Dhruv Jurel at No. 3 is not happening,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

The renowned commentator reckons Abhimanyu Easwaran can be given his deserved chance at one drop if Sudharsan fails to deliver.

“I am not personally convinced that Dhruv Jurel should be at No. 3. I feel Dhruv Jurel is a middle-order batter. If you are not liking Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, give a chance to Abhimanyu Easwaran, but Dhruv Jurel, not at No. 3. I feel you will ruin him. He is a phenomenal player of spin and a very decent player of fast bowling, but take it easy,” he observed.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the three-match ODI series against Australia and Chopra said the 50-over format is not important currently.

“ODIs are not being given importance currently. It seems like T20Is are still important, but ODIs are not important as the ODI World Cup is after two years. The planning for that has started for sure, but the importance of ODIs has been seen more in terms of captaincy,” he responded.

“Other than that, ODI is not the most important format right now. It’s T20Is and the WTC cycle. Personally, I also felt he won’t play both matches and would miss one. He might miss the second match because there is no challenge here and Bumrah isn’t required either. Bumrah should only be played where he is required. He has to be kept ready for big challenges,” Chopra observed.

The second Test match between India and the West Indies will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from Friday.