Exclusive: Dhruv Jurel joins India ODI squad as Rishabh Pant’s replacement — IND vs NZ
In-form wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has been drafted into India’s ODI squad as Rishabh Pant’s replacement after the latter was ruled out with a side strain. Jurel joins the team on the back of a prolific Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, where he has scored 558 runs and led Uttar Pradesh to the top of Elite Group B.
India's Dhruv Jurel during a training session ahead of the second Test cricket match between India and South Africa, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)
Dhruv Jurel has been named as injured Rishabh Pant's replacement for the three-match ODI series, starting from Sunday in Vadodara. Rishabh Pant was on Saturday ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a side strain when he was struck on the ribs by a delivery from a throwdown specialist during an extended net session.
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Jurel, who has been in sensational touch for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazara Trophy has joined Team India on Saturday night. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!TimesofIndia.com understands that the selectors took the call moment Pant was ruled out of the series on Saturday evening. Jurel is Uttar Pradesh’s top-scorer in the tournament with 558 runs in seven matches at an average of over 90. He has scored two hundreds as well as four half-centuries across seven innings in VHT 2025-26.
Jurel is also leading the Uttar Pradesh team.
Poll
Do you think Dhruv Jurel will perform well in his debut ODI series?
Yes, he has been in great form.No, he might feel the pressure.
Jurel’s fine form with the bat has helped Uttar Pradesh top the Elite Group B points table, having amassed 28 points with wins in all seven of their matches so far.Uttar Pradesh is set to face Saurashtra in the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.