Massive Decision from BCCI; Dhruv Jurel to Captain Team India

India A are set to play the second match of the two-match unofficial Test series against Australia A from September 23, in Lucknow. The first match ended up in a tie. After the Asia Cup 2025 snub, Shreyas Iyer was given the captaincy duty for the upcoming red ball series.

However, Iyer is all set to miss the second Test as he is in contention for India's Test series against West Indies. Hence, the selectors have decided to give the captaincy to the wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who is one of the best wicketkeepers in India. Jurel has a good amount of experience in the format as well.

Dhruv Jurel to Lead India A

India's one of the most trustworthy keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel Team India is likely to replace Shreyas Iyer as the captain of the team for the second Test match. He is already the vice-captain of the team for the Test series. Dhruv Jurel new Indian captain has experience which will be quite helpful in the series. Dhruv Jurel captaincy will be tested in this match. Currently, he is India's second-choice wicketkeeper after Rishabh Pant.

In the first match against Australia A, India's trustworthy batter Dhruv Jurel slammed an incredible century. Along with Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel's performance was quite interesting to watch in the match. While Jurel scored 140 off 197 balls, including 13 boundaries and seven sixes, Padikkal scored 150 off 281 balls, including 14 boundaries and one six.

Match Ends in a Draw

It was Australia A's decision to bat first on winning the toss. They scored 532 runs, thanks to Sam Konstas and Josh Phillippe. Campbell Kellaway also scored 88 off 97 balls, hitting ten boundaries and two sixes. Their batting was brilliant which is why they were able to put up a huge total on the board. Meanwhile, when India A came to bat, they too batted extremely well.

They scored 531 runs at the loss of seven wickets. There was contribution from the entire batting unit which is why they could almost reached the score set by Australia A. Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran and N. Jagadeesan started the innings well, followed by Sai Sudharsan's 73 off 124 balls, including ten boundaries.

Why is Shreyas Iyer Ruled Out?

Iyer couldn't impress the crowd in the first match against Australia A and was dismissed cheaply. Despite that, he might get a chance to play for the national side against West Indies which is why he is likely to miss the second Test match. It will be interesting to see his performance in the upcoming matches, wherever he plays. He is currently one of the best batsmen in India.

His performance in the previous series has been brilliant. All eyes will be on him and if he performs well, he will be able to cement his place in the team. The West Indies series will start on October 2 and only two matches will be played between the teams. India are yet to announce the squad while West Indies have already announced it.