India’s young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is poised to retain his spot in the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. With Rishabh Pant returning to the squad after missing the West Indies Tests due to a fractured foot, speculation had risen over Jurel’s inclusion. However, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has largely confirmed that Jurel’s place is secure. Jurel impressed during the West Indies series in Pant’s absence, scoring his maiden Test century in Ahmedabad. His recent performances include four centuries in eight first-class innings, with a notable double in India A’s second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru. Addressing Jurel’s form, ten Doeschate said, “I don't think you can leave him out for this Test, is the short answer," ten Doeschate said when asked about Jurel's run of form. "But obviously, you can only pick 11 as well, so someone else will have to miss out. I think we've got a pretty good idea of the combination.” The Indian squad features three spin-bowling allrounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel—giving the team the flexibility to accommodate an extra batter without compromising the bowling attack. Ten Doeschate added, “Given the way Dhruv's gone in the last six months, scoring two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he's certain to play this week. Again, like what I mentioned about Washy [Washington Sundar], Axar [Patel], Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja], for me, you've actually got three batters there. So it does give us a lot of flexibility. But I'd be very surprised if we don't see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test this week.” Read also: Sri Lanka Packing bags despite Pakistan's increased assurance; second ODI uncertain Nitish Kumar Reddy Released, South Africa Challenge Ahead Allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from the first Test squad to make way for Pant. Reddy will rejoin the team for the second Test in Guwahati, following the three-match India A series against South Africa A. Despite recovering from a back injury that curtailed his participation in Australia’s white-ball tour, Reddy will miss out on this Test due to strategic reasons. Ten Doeschate emphasized, “The primary thing is to set out a strategy to win the game, and then if you can accommodate giving guys a chance for development, that comes in. Our position certainly hasn't changed on Nitish. He didn't get much game time in [the white-ball series in] Australia, but I would say, given the importance of the series and given the conditions we think we're going to face, he might miss out in this Test this week” South Africa arrive in India after a 1-1 Test series draw in Pakistan, where their trio of spinners—Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy—dominated with 33 wickets at an average below 22. Ten Doeschate noted that India’s batters are working to improve their approach against spin, referencing lessons from last year’s 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand. He added that it will be a significant challenge, on how the batters handle spin over these two games.