Galle: Dhruv Jurel‘s place in India’s Test playing XI is reportedly under pressure ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, with the team management led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill said to have asked the batter to improve his performances. Jurel’s recent run of low scores has opened the door for recalled batter Sarfaraz Khan, creating a significant selection dilemma for India.

The first Test is scheduled to begin in Galle, and India are expected to make important decisions around their middle order. With Rishabh Pant established as the first-choice wicketkeeper, Jurel has generally been used as a specialist batter in India’s Test line-up. That role now appears increasingly uncertain after a series of disappointing performances.

According to a report cited by NDTV Sports, the Indian team management is not satisfied with Jurel’s recent returns and has reminded him that he needs to raise his level if he wants to retain his position.

Jurel’s recent form raises concerns

Jurel has played 10 Tests for India and currently averages 34.14. While that figure reflects a promising start to his international career, his recent performances have been a concern.

The 25-year-old has failed to score a half-century in his last six Test innings. His struggles became particularly noticeable during India’s home series against South Africa in November 2025, when the team suffered a 0-2 Test series defeat.

Jurel subsequently scored only 19 in India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. He did provide a strong response while playing for India A against Sri Lanka A, scoring a century and a fifty. However, that momentum did not carry into India’s warm-up match before the upcoming Sri Lanka series, where he registered scores of just 1 and 17.

The manner of some of Jurel’s dismissals has also reportedly frustrated the team management. According to the report, the management was surprised not only by his low scores but also by the way he gave away his wicket.

That has made the upcoming Test series particularly important for the young batter.

Sarfaraz Khan’s return changes the equation

The biggest threat to Jurel’s place comes from Sarfaraz Khan.

Sarfaraz has returned to India’s Test squad after being brought in as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan. His recall has immediately intensified competition for the middle-order spot.

Sarfaraz has already demonstrated his ability to score heavily in domestic cricket and made an impressive start to his Test career. He has played four fewer Tests than Jurel but has the same number of centuries and two more fifties, according to the NDTV report.

That record gives the selectors a compelling alternative, particularly in conditions where batting against spin could be crucial.

Sarfaraz is also known for his ability to attack spin, which could make him an attractive option in Sri Lanka. His inclusion would give India another aggressive middle-order batter capable of putting pressure on the opposition’s spinners.

Why Jurel’s role is complicated

Jurel’s situation is slightly different because his wicketkeeping skills provide additional value to the squad. However, with Pant fit and occupying the primary wicketkeeping position, Jurel’s place in the XI largely depends on his batting.

That means the competition with Sarfaraz is essentially a battle between two middle-order batters.

Jurel’s ability to contribute behind the stumps remains an important asset, but India do not necessarily need a second wicketkeeper in the playing XI when Pant is available. Consequently, his batting performances become even more important.

The team management’s reported message suggests that Jurel knows he needs to convert opportunities into substantial scores.

India face a key No. 6 decision

The No. 6 position could therefore become one of the most closely watched selection calls before the first Test.

If India prioritise recent form and Sarfaraz’s record against spin, the Mumbai batter could receive the opportunity. If the management chooses continuity and believes Jurel deserves another chance to rediscover his confidence, the 25-year-old could retain his place.

India’s decision could also depend on the overall balance of the team. The combination of batters, all-rounders, wicketkeeper and bowlers will determine whether the management prefers the additional batting threat offered by Sarfaraz or the flexibility provided by Jurel.

The competition is particularly significant because India are beginning another Test assignment with a new generation of players taking on greater responsibility.

Jurel still has a chance to respond

Despite the pressure, Jurel’s position is not necessarily lost.

His century and fifty for India A against Sri Lanka A showed that he remains capable of producing substantial scores. The challenge now is to reproduce that form at the international level.

A strong performance in the first Test could quickly settle questions surrounding his place. Conversely, another low score could strengthen the argument for Sarfaraz to take over the position.

For Jurel, the situation is therefore straightforward: performances will be the biggest factor in determining whether he remains part of India’s preferred XI.

Sarfaraz’s opportunity comes at the right time

Sarfaraz, meanwhile, has been handed another opportunity to establish himself in India’s Test plans.

His earlier omission from the team meant that his return was eagerly anticipated by many observers. With Sudharsan unavailable and Jurel struggling for consistency, the circumstances have created a clear opening.

If Sarfaraz gets the nod in Galle and produces a significant innings, the selection debate could continue well beyond the Sri Lanka series.

India’s middle order could then have another strong contender for a permanent position.

What happens next?

The selection battle between Jurel and Sarfaraz adds another layer of intrigue to India’s Test series against Sri Lanka. Jurel has the advantage of familiarity with the current team setup, while Sarfaraz arrives with an established reputation as a prolific batter against spin.

For Gambhir and Gill, the decision will ultimately come down to what they believe gives India the strongest chance of winning in Galle.

For Jurel, however, the message from the team management is clear: his recent performances need to improve. With Sarfaraz waiting for an opportunity, there is now genuine competition for his place in the playing XI.

The final decision will reveal whether India continue to back Jurel or hand Sarfaraz a fresh opportunity in the middle order.