“No modern-day batter defends the ball like this” - Aakash Chopra hails Dhruv Jurel

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on the Indian keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who smacked an exceptional 125-run knock off 210 balls in the first Test vs West Indies in Ahmedabad.

Notably, it was Jurel’s first Test century, and he is playing the first Test as the main keeper in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who has been ruled out of the series due to a foot fracture. Speaking on Star Sports, Chopra has praised Jurel’s defence against spin.

"He is doing well consistently wherever he is getting chances. It's difficult when you are No. 2 and you get a chance only when the first-choice keeper is unavailable. In such a case, it's difficult to maintain your form consistently. His specialty is the confidence he shows in his defense and the way he defends. Both these things are 10 out of 10 against spin," Chopra said on Star Sports.

"He plays shots in both directions against fast bowling. However, against spin, the way he opens up both his shoulders and plays the ball in front of him, keeping the bat in front of the pad, tells me he has played a lot on turning pitches. No modern-day batter defends the ball like this. If you see who has defended spin the best in this innings, that's Dhruv Jurel," he added.

In the same panel, former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar also praised the keeper-batter for making the most of his opportunity. Moreover, he felt that once Pant is back in the XI, Jurel should be played as a pure batter in the XI.

"It's a great opportunity for any player. You got a chance in home conditions when Rishabh Pant got injured, and you know you have to make the most of this opportunity, because when he returns, questions will be asked about whether Dhruv Jurel would play, but after this knock, questions will be asked about where Dhruv Jurel should be played, and you will have to play him," Abhishek Nayar said.

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