Dhruv Jurel etched his name in India A’s record books with a commanding performance against South Africa A in Bengaluru, becoming only the second Indian player to add his name to an elite list.By scoring centuries in both innings of an ‘A-Test’ match, Jurel imitated a feat that was last achieved by Naman Ojha, who made 219* and 101* against Australia A at Brisbane in July 2014. Jurel, who had struck a century in the first four-day match of the series as well, continued his exceptional form. Walking in after skipper Rishabh Pant retired hurt in the morning session, the wicketkeeper-batter built his innings patiently before reaching his hundred off 159 balls. He was unbeaten on 127 when India A declared on Day 3, with the hosts stretching their lead to 416 runs. At the innings break, India A were 382/7 in 89.2 overs after having earlier made 255 in the first innings, while South Africa A were bowled out for 221. Jurel’s composed knock, laced with 15 boundaries and one six, showcased once again, his growing maturity in red-ball cricket. Earlier in the day, there were anxious moments for the hosts when Pant, leading India A, was struck thrice by pacer Tshepo Moraki. he was hit first on the helmet, then the elbow, and later on the abdomen, which ultimately forced him to retire hurt on 17. “The team physios are observing him, and they will take a call whether he can bat or not, if the match situation comes to that,” a team official had said.
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Will Rishabh Pant be fully fit for the upcoming home Test series?
Pant, however, returned later in the innings and played a brisk 65 off 54 balls, including five fours and four sixes, easing concerns ahead of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa starting November 14. He was then dismissed in the final ball of India A’s innings, before they declared. As the innings ended, Jurel’s twin tons stood out as the highlight of the match, marking another high point in his rapid progression through India’s red-ball ranks.
