Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel (Source: AFP)
India had added Sarfaraz Khan to the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with a right toe stress reaction.
He was recalled to India's squad after a long wait; the Mumbai batter last played for India in a Test match against New Zealand at Wankhede in 2024.
However, Sarfaraz's return to the squad does not necessarily mean he will walk straight into the playing XI, he will undoubtedly get competition from Dhruv Jurel.
So ahead of the IND vs SL Tests, it seems that Indian management under Gautam Gambhir has already picked and made a choice between Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel.
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Sarfaraz Khan or Dhruv Jurel: Who Will Play In IND vs SL 1st Test?
India's practice session at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (August 13) provided some clues about the team's thinking.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were seen closely examining the pitch before Dhruv Jurel was called into the discussion.
It is vital to note that Dhruv Jurel recently led India A in unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A in Galle and therefore has recent experience of the conditions.
"Later, Jurel had a long batting stint at the nets, and there was enough indication that the team management will stick with him at No. 6 or 7, at least in the first Test, which starts on Saturday," according to Revsportz.
Will Sarfaraz Khan Get A Place In India's XI For 1st Test vs SL? Morne Morkel Reveals
Sarfaraz Khan, meanwhile, arrived at the nets towards the end of the session. Bowling coach Morne Morkel was also asked about the competition between Jurel and Sarfaraz. He stressed that India have different options and will look for the best combination.
“I think in these conditions you always want to have those options,” said the bowling coach. “You can explore and you can discuss and come up with the best combination." according to Revsportz.
The fact that cannot be denied is that Jurel could retain his place in the middle order for the opening Test, with Sarfaraz likely to wait for his opportunity.
Who Is A Better Option For India: Sarfaraz Khan Or Dhruv Jurel?
The 28-year-old Sarfaraz Khan has continued to score heavily in domestic first-class cricket and remains highly regarded for his ability against spin. Those qualities could be useful in Sri Lankan conditions, where spin is expected to play an important role.
In VHT Elite 2025-26, he has played 5 innings and made 303 runs at a strike rate of 190.57 and an average of 75.75. Overall, he has played 6 matches for India and has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10 and a strike-rate of 74.94.
Dhruv Jurel, on the other hand, recently made 208 runs in three innings at an average of 104 and a strike-rate of 61.90 in the IND-A vs SL-A series.
In the only Test of the Afghanistan tour of India 2026, he managed just 19 runs, and in the South Africa Tour of India, Jurel made just 29 runs off 4 innings at an average of 7.25. He has overall played 10 matches for India in the longer format and made 478 runs at an average of 34.14.
So, taking a look at the stats, Sarfaraz might have performed well recently, but India might pick Jurel because of experience.
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