India Star’s 160* Puts BCCI Selection Spotlight Back on Pant vs Kishan

Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel delivered a stunning performance in domestic cricket on December 29, 2025, smashing an unbeaten 160* off just 101 balls for Uttar Pradesh against Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group B match at the Sanosara Cricket Ground ‘A’. His explosive innings featured 15 fours and 8 sixes, propelling Uttar Pradesh to a commanding total of 369/7 in their 50 overs. This knock, achieved at a strike rate exceeding 158, came amid intense speculation over India's ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026, and highlighted Jurel's readiness for higher-level opportunities.

Jurel's innings built on a solid foundation laid by openers Aryan Juyal and Abhishek Goswami, who added 77 runs for the first wicket. He then forged a crucial 131-run partnership with Rinku Singh (63 off 67) before accelerating dramatically in the death overs, adding 122 runs off 52 balls alongside Prashant Veer (35 off 23). The 20-year-old's aggressive strokeplay showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks, marking his third successive fifty-plus score in the tournament. As a Test specialist who has impressed in red-ball cricket, this List A masterclass demonstrated his versatility across formats and added pressure on selectors amid ongoing debates over wicketkeeping options.

The performance arrives at a critical juncture for India's limited-overs setup, where reports indicate Rishabh Pant may be excluded from the ODI squad against New Zealand due to limited recent white-ball exposure—he has not played an ODI since August 2024 and has shown inconsistent domestic form. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has been in prolific touch, leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy title as the highest run-scorer and following up with strong Vijay Hazare outings. Jurel, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad, has now staked a strong claim as a potential long-term backup or even a direct contender in the 50-over format, sending a clear message to the BCCI about rewarding current domestic excellence.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan Appointed Jharkhand Captain for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26

As the Vijay Hazare Trophy progresses and the New Zealand ODI squad announcement looms—expected in early January—this innings underscores the depth in India's wicketkeeping talent pool. With KL Rahul likely to remain the first-choice gloveman, the battle for backup spots could intensify, potentially including Sanju Samson or others. Jurel's explosive display not only bolsters Uttar Pradesh's campaign but also adds fresh intrigue to India's preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond, emphasizing form over reputation in selection decisions.

Also Read: Wasim Jaffer Questions Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar Selection for T20 World Cup 2026