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India’s squad announcement for the upcoming ODI series against Australia surprised many when young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel was chosen over the experienced Sanju Samson. While the move may appear surprising to some, it clearly reflects the team management’s strategy for balance, form, and flexibility. Here are the top three reasons behind this key selection.
1. Versatility and Role Clarity
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Jurel was picked because his batting role fits the team’s current ODI structure better. India’s top four batting positions are almost fixed, leaving limited space for flexible middle-order players.
- Jurel has experience batting at No. 5 and No. 6, roles that often decide the outcome of close ODIs.
- On the other hand, Sanju Samson has mostly played in the top order in T20s and IPL, making his adaptation to the middle order more challenging.
- Jurel’s ability to rotate strike and finish innings under pressure makes him a more suitable choice for the current team requirement.
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2. Recent Form and Confidence
Form and consistency played a decisive role in this selection call.
- In 2025, Sanju Samson struggled to maintain momentum in T20Is, scoring at an average of around 20.33 with a strike rate close to 123.
- Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has been in remarkable touch across formats. His century against the West Indies in Test cricket and an impressive average of around 60 in Tests this year have shown his calm temperament under pressure.
- Jurel also impressed during IPL 2025, scoring 333 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 156.33 for Rajasthan Royals, highlighting his finishing ability.
Such form across formats makes Jurel a confident and composed addition to the ODI lineup.
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3. Strong Domestic and Overseas Record
Another factor that supported Jurel’s selection is his strong domestic performance and experience against top-quality attacks.
- Jurel’s List A record (average over 47 with a strike rate above 92) shows his consistency and adaptability in 50-over cricket.
- In comparison, Sanju Samson holds an average of 33.85 from 128 List A games with a 90+ strike rate, reflecting good but not dominant numbers.
- Jurel’s exposure to Australian conditions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy also gives him an added edge, as he has already faced similar pace and bounce, which will be crucial in the upcoming ODI series.
Conclusion
While Sanju Samson remains a talented and capable batter, the Indian selectors appear to have prioritized current form, middle-order balance, and situational adaptability for the Australian challenge. Dhruv Jurel, with his steady temperament, domestic consistency, and recent performances, perfectly fits the team’s vision for the India vs Australia 2025 ODI series.
Also Read: ENG-W vs BAN-W: Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
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