3 reasons why India picking Dhruv Jurel over Sanju Samson for AUS vs IND 2025 ODIs is the right move

Picking Dhruv Jurel over Sanju Samson for the upcoming India vs Australia ODI series is debatable. Many believe that BCCI takes the wrong decision by selecting Jurel for a high pressure series. The emerging keeper-batter has experience in playing T20Is and Tests, but never played One Day Internationals for team India. Then why does the board take a bet on the Uttar Pradesh born for the 5-match ODI series against Australia? 

3 reasons why BCCI's decision to put Dhruv Jurel in the ODI squad is sensible: 

Preparations for ICC ODI World Cup 2027:

There are still plenty of times for World Cup 2027 preparations. Before that, The high octane ODI assignments will help the board to shape the team keeping an eye on the ICC's elite tournament. Ajit Agarkar and his committee named Jurel into the ODI squad after his maiden Test century during India vs West Indies 1st Test match of the ongoing series. If he is able to carry the form against Australia as well, then it will be a great discovery for the format.

Batting depth:

The batting style of Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel is totally different. Sanju mostly a top order batter while Jurel comes to bat as a middle order batsman. During the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian team management played Sanju in the middle-order, which clearly showed the management's desire for a strong middle-order batsman.

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Jurel is a natural number 5 or batsman, so the need to pursue any experiment with batting orders can reduce significantly. For Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, the young right-hander thrived with 333 runs at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 156.33 in 14 matches.

Dhruv Jurel's recent form: 

Jurel's recent batting form might have played a significant role behind the selection process. During the 5th match of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy against England, when the series was on the line, Jurel in the second innings added an important 34 runs at The Oval. Against Australia A team, he scored a century and a half century as well during a couple of multi-day matches. Jurel's gloves-work is also eye catching. His highflying moves are the proof of his fitness level.