 "'Jurel can't be backup for Pant': India’s reserve keeper faces backlash over ordinary performance at Lord's")
With Rishabh Pant nursing a finger injury, Dhruv Jurel is filling in for him again as the wicketkeeper on Day 4 of the Lord’s Test. The substitute made a fine first impression by taking an outstanding catch to dismiss Ollie Pope in the first innings. However, it is a different day altogether for Jurel as his movement has been constantly tested by the uneven bounce offered by the surface on Day 4. Subsequently, the keeper has also drawn flak on social media for dropping a regulation catch on the first ball after lunch.
Dhruv Jurel having a hard time behind the wickets
Pant’s injury has put India in slight unease as replacement keeper Jurel is having a hard time behind the stumps on Day 4. The keeper has stood up to the stumps and on occasions has struggled to cleanly collect the deliveries bowled by Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj. He even dropped a straight one that came straight up after lunch. Akash was able to get a faint edge off Joe Root immediately after the break, but Jurel could not hold on to it. Nevertheless, it was signalled a no-ball by the onfield umpire. Hence, it would not have mattered if he had taken the catch.
Howbeit, Indian fans who witnessed Jured drop the catch live, did not go easy on him and left a remark on social media. Here are a few of the reactions assessing the wicketkeeper’s performance:
Dhruv Jurel Cant be backup keeper for Rishabh pant leave alone batting he is mile year behind Rishabh in wicket keeping skills as well he cant keep outside flat decks!
— Pranchal Kapadiya (@PranchalKapadi4) July 13, 2025
Apart from one good catch on Jadeja's bowling...Dhruv Jurel has been horrible behind the wickets...Horror show totally... unable to stop even a single down the leg ball
— .. (@I_m_riiit) July 13, 2025
For all the shouts about being the best wicketkeeper for India after taking the catch of Ollie Pope, Dhruv Jurel has been bang average (being lenient) to the pacers since then#INDvsENG
— Oval Test 2025 (@VigneshA_26) July 13, 2025
England have started the post-lunch session on a cautious note. Root (33 not out) and Ben Stokes (14 not out) are on course to build a solid stand. As per the latest update, the hosts have reached 135/4 after 36 overs. India are in desperate need of a wicket.
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