Vikram Rathour backs Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhurv Jurel ahead of England tour

Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has put his weight behind the duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel to do well on the upcoming England tour. This will be the maiden England tour for both of these two batters.

Both of them have also been picked in India’s A squad for the first two matches against England Lions. Meanwhile, Jaiswal impressed one and all on his first Australian tour, as he scored 391 runs in five matches at an average of 43.44. The left-hander was India’s top run-getter in the Border-Gavaskar and the second highest after Travis Head.

On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel had scored a fine knock of 90 runs in the fourth Test match against England at Ranchi in 2024.

Rathour recently observed both Jaiswal and Jurel from close quarters while coaching the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. 

“Jaiswal has already played some outstanding knocks after the start he’s got at the international level, and Dhruv Jurel as well. I think he’s got great temperament, that kid. He’s got great technique as well as a batsman. So, it’s going to be a tough tour.”

“It’s not going to be an easy tour because the seniors have retired, and a young team is leaving. There could be a new captain. So, all these things will add a little bit of pressure, but also it’s an opportunity to showcase your talent and your ability. So, both of them have a lot of talent, and I’m pretty sure that they’ll do well,” said Rathour in the post-match press conference.

On the other hand, Rathour said he would have loved to see Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli continue playing Test cricket for India after the trio’s retirement.

“See, retirement is something which is very, very personal, I think. See, all three of them were phenomenal cricketers who retired. So, I would have loved for them to carry on. But it’s, again, a very, very personal decision.”

“I’m close to all three of them. So, I would have, as I said, I would have loved to see them play more. But, again, it’s a very, very personal decision, I think. If they’ve taken this decision, we should respect that,” he concluded.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley from June 20 onwards.