Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer commended the commendable display of batting exhibited by Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav during Day 3 of the Ranchi Test match between India and England. The pair's remarkable partnership played a pivotal role in narrowing England's first innings lead to a mere 46 runs, thereby revitalizing India's prospects in the contest.
The Ranchi Test has witnessed a plethora of standout performances from individual players on both sides. Following a precarious situation where India's top-order batsmen faltered, the team found themselves struggling at 219/7 by the conclusion of Day 2. At this juncture, England appeared to be firmly in control of the proceedings, maintaining a substantial lead of 134 runs.
However, it was the resilient alliance between Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav, particularly their steadfast 8th wicket partnership worth 76 runs, that swung the momentum back in India's favor.
Jurel's gritty innings of 90 runs off 149 deliveries, which marked his inaugural Test half-century, coupled with Kuldeep's resolute contribution of 28 runs from 131 balls, garnered widespread acclaim from cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike. Reflecting on India's resurgence in the Ranchi Test, former cricketer Wasim Jaffer attributed their success to the astute game awareness displayed by Kuldeep and Jurel.
In a recent social media post, Jaffer effusively praised the duo, emphasizing the pivotal role their partnership played in shaping the outcome of the fourth Test.
"On behalf of all Indian cricket fans, kudos to Dhruv Jurel today! His exemplary performance, both with the bat and behind the stumps, was truly commendable. The significance of his innings and the collaboration with Kuldeep cannot be overstated. Their exemplary game awareness was truly top-notch," read Jaffer's post.
Day 3 saw a regrettable end to Kuldeep Yadav's innings, as he was dismissed by a delivery from James Anderson that struck his pad before deflecting onto the bat and dislodging the stumps. Nonetheless, this setback did not deter the visitors' resolve. Instead, Jurel, exhibiting resilience at the crease, proceeded to forge another valuable 40-run partnership with lower-order batsman Akash Deep.
As Day 3 drew to a close, India found themselves in a commanding position, thanks to the remarkable efforts of their bowlers, who restricted the visiting team to a paltry total of 145 runs in the second innings. With a target of 192 runs set by the Ben Stokes-led England side, India were well-poised to clinch victory in the Test match.
