'I think they will keep with Dhruv Jurel and not go back to Rishabh Pant quickly' - Brad Hogg on India's choice of wicketkeeper in Tests

Veteran Australian spinner Brad Hogg has weighed in on the debate surrounding India's Test wicketkeeper, suggesting a preference between Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant. Jurel has garnered attention following his noteworthy performances during the ongoing Test series against England. Meanwhile, Pant has been diligently working to make his return to competitive cricket following a life-risking car accident in December 2022.

Hogg advocates for India to persist with Jurel as their Test wicketkeeper, cautioning against rushing Pant back into the team. The 53-year-old emphasized the need for patience in Pant's comeback to the longest format of the game, expressing confidence that India will consider giving him adequate time. 

"I think they will keep with Jurel and not go back to Pant quickly. I think they will make him go and play some first-class cricket in the longest format so that they make sure his body can withstand it and make sure, from a batting perspective, he still has the ability that he had before the accident. I really hope that Pant gets back to playing Test cricket, but I feel it is a huge risk if they rush him back," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

Also read: 'There was a guy called Rishabh Pant in our team' - Rohit Sharma shuts Ben Duckett's controversial claim

Dhruv Jurel excels in the ongoing series versus England

After KS Bharat's underwhelming performances with the bat in the opening two Tests against England, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) selection committee decided to present Dhruv Jurel with his maiden international cap. The 23-year-old showcased promise in his first Test in Rajkot, notching up 46 runs. However, his standout display unfolded during the fourth Test in Ranchi, where he dazzled with a remarkable 90-run innings in India's first innings, rescuing the team from a precarious situation.

Also read: 'MS Dhoni is in different league, let Jurel play' - Sourav Ganguly opens up on much-talked Dhoni-Jurel comparison

Jurel's brilliance extended to the second innings, where he played a crucial role in India's pursuit of 192 runs. He crafted a resilient 72-run stand with Shubman Gill and remained unbeaten at 39, steering India to cross the line and thereby sealing the victory. Given his impressive performances thus far, he is expected to make a notable impact for India in the series finale as well.