Wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel disclosed that the 100 per cent backing he has received from head coach Gautam Gambhir has allowed him to express himself freely on the field, ahead of the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, scheduled to commence on Thursday.
KL's unbeaten 176*, scored at a good nick, alongside Sudharsan's century, were the biggest highlights of India's successful run-chase of 412 runs, despite being down for 194 in their first innings in response to Australia's gigantic 420 runs. Dhruv Jurel also got a quickfire half-century.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla lavished praise on "brilliant" KL Rahul for his flamboyant 176* that steered India A to a commanding five-wicket win over Australia A in the second unofficial Test in Lucknow.
India's belligerent wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is set to miss the two-match home Test series against West Indies, starting in Ahmedabad from October 2, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The two-match unofficial Test series between India and Australia A at the Ekana Cricket Stadium saw the first match end in a draw after rain washed out the final day's play.
Dhruv Jurel struck his second first-class century as India A batters flourished, except captain Shreyas Iyer, with the hosts ending day three at 403/4, trailing by 129 runs against Australia A after their 532 in the first innings.
After being snubbed from India's 15-member squad for the Asia Cup, Shreyas Iyer has been handed the captaincy mantle of India A for the two multi-day matches against Australia A, with Dhruv Jurel serving as his deputy.
Patidar, appointed as captain of the side with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel ruled out, smashed 125 in 96 balls, with 21 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of almost 130.
Dhruv Jurel is set to lead Central Zone in the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, while Rajat Patidar has been named his deputy, starting later this month, which will kick off the domestic season this year.
Atkinson continued his fine run in white clothing at The Oval, taking 5/33 in 21.4 overs, at an economy rate of 1.52. His wicket tally included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj and, Prasidh Krishna.
"KL Rahul and Jaiswal have provided solid starts throughout the series, so there's no reason to alter that combination. I believe Dhruv Jurel will be the designated wicketkeeper. The only question is, at what number will he bat? But I'm certain we'll see him in the playing XI," he added.