The announcement of India’s ODI squad for the Australia tour produced a more puzzled expression than cheers on everyone’s face and minds, to one name, Dhruv Jurel, a new entrant in ODIs, being chosen suddenly over the most popular of Indian cricketers, Sanju Samson (who averages over 56) in the format. This was a bold step, if not an unjust one. A look deeper into the matter shows cricketing sense, however.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup coming into focus, the Indian selectors are naturally doing their bit in the matter of selecting the team for the future. Their chief, Ajit Agarkar, and his committee have said clearly of late: selection does not merely depend on numbers; different recourses will have to be consulted.
Fit Over Fame in the Middle Order
The logic behind Dhruv Jurel’s inclusion is less about favoritism and more about fit. India’s ODI batting order is essentially sealed till No.4, leaving the No.5 and 6 slots for adaptable finishers players who can rotate strike, absorb pressure, and accelerate late. Jurel checks all three boxes.
The Role India Actually Needed
India’s top four are untouchable, which means the keeper-batter’s role is about finishing and stability, not early aggression. Jurel thrives exactly there; he’s calm, compact, and clever in strike rotation. His experience batting at No.5–6 for RR proves he understands how to build through the middle overs. Samson, meanwhile, prefers the new ball and struggles to adjust late in the innings. Therefore, tactically, Jurel fits the middle-order puzzle far better.
Team Dynamic: Calm Over Chaos
Jurel’s recent displays indicate a player now comfortable with responsibility. That Test century against the West Indies was no fluke; it was a sign of maturity, patience, and grit. It is a different story with regards to Samson, who in 2025 has been interrupted with injuries and inconsistency, which has taken away his rhythm and confidence. In a dressing room where clarity and roles of players are the paramount quality, Jurel’s sensible mindset is the tranquillity India needs more than the flamboyance they already have.
Numbers Back the Logic
The statistics are clear-cut. Jurel’s List A average of 47.10 at 92.19 strike rate is vastly superior to that of Samson, who averages 33.85 at 90.21 strike rate. Jurel scored 333 runs at a 156.33 strike rate in IPL 2025 in the same positions for which India needs him now. Samson, on the other hand, has averaged just 20.33 in T20Is this year. Combine with this Jurel’s recent experience of Australian conditions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the reasoning becomes clear: the younger man is simply in a better place at present.
Selection Shaped by Role, Not Reputation
Indian cricket has always evolved through role-based selections. MS Dhoni was once a gamble from Jharkhand; Hardik Pandya was backed for balance, not stats. Dhruv Jurel’s selection echoes that tradition, choosing fit over fame.
Agarkar’s decision reflects a strategic shift: India now values adaptability and context over legacy averages. Samson’s ODI numbers remain strong, but form and rhythm matter just as much. Jurel’s inclusion sends a clear message that the future of Indian cricket will reward readiness, not memory.
If he clicks, India may finally solve its long-standing middle-order conundrum. If he doesn’t, at least they’ll know they made the smart call for the right reasons.
Key Takeaway: India’s choice of Jurel over Samson is a tactical investment, not a risk, but a reset.
FAQs
- Why was Dhruv Jurel picked over Sanju Samson for the ODI series?
Because Jurel fits India’s middle-order role better and is in superior recent form.
- Is Sanju Samson out of India’s ODI plans?
No, but he needs consistent performances and fitness to re-enter the frame.
- What makes Jurel a good fit for Australian conditions?
His compact technique and recent success on bouncy pitches during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
Step into the world of cricket with JeetBuzz News—where expert opinions, trending Blogs, and behind-the-scenes insights meet all your favorite topics. Stay informed, stay entertained, and never miss the stories shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
