Former South African dashing batter AB de Villiers has heaped praise on the Indian keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who scored an exceptional century in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers showered praise on Jurel for his good technique that can last for a long time, second only to the opening batter KL Rahul. Notably, Jurel, batting at No.7, scored an unbeaten 115 off 117 balls with nine fours and two sixes.
“Dhruv Jurel stood out with a fine century. He’s got a really good technique, second to KL Rahul. I think Jurel is another Indian batter with good technique that can last for a long time. He chipped in with a fantastic century in the middle order and maintained the momentum that they needed,” AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
In 19 Test innings so far, Jurel has amassed a total of 651 runs at an average of 40.68 with two hundreds and two half-centuries. His maiden Test century came against the West Indies at home in 2025.
Furthermore, AB has also lauded India’s No.3 batter Devdutt Padikkal, adding that he deserves a longer rope at this position in Tests. Padikkal is the leading run-getter in the ongoing Sri Lanka series, having scored 328 runs from three innings at an average of 109.33 with two hundreds.
“I think Padikkal has done enough to at least get an extended run. See what he’s like over in South Africa, England, and some of the bouncier tracks in Australia. I think he has earned the right to get that challenge as the number three batter in all conditions, and I do think he has got the game to counter whatever comes his way,” AB concluded.
