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New Delhi: Young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has strengthened his claim for a place in the Indian playing XI for the first Test against South Africa. He has caught the attention of the selectors and team management by scoring two consecutive centuries in the second unofficial Test while playing for India A. Now captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir face the challenge of finding a place for him in the team. Expectations rise after two consecutive centuries Jurel recently delivered outstanding performances against South Africa A scoring unbeaten innings of 132* and 127*. Following his brilliant batting former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel said that Jurel has done enough to earn a place in the Test team. Parthiv said “Whether it was against the West Indies or any other team Jurel has scored runs on every occasion.” Better performance than Sai Sudharsan If Jurel is compared to Sai Sudharsan the statistics clearly favor him. Sudharsan failed to cement his place at number 3 and could only manage 17 and 23 runs against South Africa A. Jurel on the other hand also scored a century against the West Indies. His consistency makes him a strong contender for a place in the team. Parthiv Patels support Parthiv Patel believes that Jurel can be included in the team as a specialist batsman. He said “If the team wants to play with an extra all-rounder then Jurel might not fit in but if there is a place for a pure batsman then Jurel is the right option.” Parthiv also reminded that Jurel was previously given a chance by the management in the Perth Test. Competition with Nitish Reddy Before the first Test at Eden Gardens Kolkata Jurel is now competing with Nitish Kumar Reddy for a place in the team. According to Parthiv Patel the selection will depend on whether the team wants an extra bowler or an extra batsman. If the team selects Nitish as the third seamer Jurel might have to wait for his chance. Story Highlights Dhruv Jurel scored two consecutive centuries (132* and 127*) against South Africa A. Parthiv Patel said – Jurel fits into the Test team as a specialist batsman. Sai Sudharsans consistent failures have opened the door for Jurel. There will be competition for a place in the first Test between Nitish Reddy and Dhruv Jurel.