Ishan Kishan or Dhruv Jurel, Who Is The Better Prospect For Indian Cricket?

Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel will be eager to be a part of the Indian team for the 2024 T20 WC [AP Photos]Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel will be eager to be a part of the Indian team for the 2024 T20 WC [AP Photos]

The Mumbai Indians will play the Rajasthan Royals in the 14th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). The two teams have always had close contests and have been party to some of the most memorable clashes in the league's history. This match in the IPL 2024 is expected to be no exception, and the fans are awaiting another exciting feud between the two teams. Especially with some of the big names in the league and in Indian cricket, like Rohit Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, Shimron Hetmyer, Jos Buttler, and Yuzvendra Chahal involved, it is expected to be a blockbuster show. 


Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan will also be among the big stars—two keeper batters who are looking to establish a stronghold at the highest level of cricket. While Jurel has just found his footing in the international arena, Ishan Kishan has already seen the ups and downs of being at the top level. But the question is, who among these two will be a better prospect for Indian cricket? As the T20 World Cup is knocking at the doors and will be the following assignment of the Indian national team after the IPL, let us keep our arguments limited to the T20 format. 


Why Ishan Kishan?

Ishan Kishan after his ODI double hundred vs Bangladesh [X]Ishan Kishan after his ODI double hundred vs Bangladesh [X]


  • The presence of Ishan Kishan gives India an aggressive opener and a wicket-keeper. 
  • Ishan's fearless attitude could be a big plus for India in the tournament. He can increase the scoring rate and put the team in the driver's seat during the powerplay.
  • Ishan could be the aggressor among the grafters. The expected Indian top-order for the tournament, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are known to take their time at the beginning of the innings. The presence of Ishan alongside these two might allow that extra bit of time for the two senior pros while Ishan keeps the scoring rate up with his antics. 

Why Dhruv Jurel?

Dhruv Jurel during his debut Test vs England [X]Dhruv Jurel during his debut Test vs England [X]


  • Dhruv Jurel made his Test debut for India in the series against England. He showed great temperament and looked the part at the biggest stage. His temperament is the biggest plus for the man. 
  • The RR middle-order batter is flexible with his batting order. The presence of Jurel in the lineup might give India the added flexibility to adapt their strategies to the game's situation.
  • Jurel has shown in the IPL that he can be dynamic in the middle and death overs. This might allow the team management to use him as a floater and gain an advantage over the opposition in the middle overs. 


Why Jurel over Ishan Kishan? 

India will announce their primary T20 World Cup Squad towards the end of April. Looking at how the team has been shaped in the previous few T20I matches, we can understand who could be the probable players in that flight to the West Indies and the USA. 

Rohit Sharma will be expected to lead the team in the tournament and thus will be one of the openers. Looking at how Yashasvi Jaiswal has performed in the last 10-12 months, you cannot keep him out of the team. Alongside these two, Shubman Gill will be the backup opener. 

Virat Kohli is showing good form in the IPL, and it is expected that, despite many discussions, India's most successful batter in T20I World Cups will be a part of the squad. So, the top three spots are filled. If you carry Ishan Kishan, you expect to bat him in the middle order, or he is your second backup opener. Frankly, Ishan Kishan's batting style is neither suited for the middle-order nor has he done great there whenever given a go. And carrying a second backup opener will be a waste. 


If we move to the middle order, Rinku Singh's spot seems confirmed. There are plenty of contenders for the other three places. Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya might cut, given their experience. Shivam Dube has been doing a great job in the middle order for the past 12 months or so. But all said and done, it leaves the spot for a wicket-keeper batter in the middle order open. 

Dhruv Jurel is the perfect fit for this role. His temperament, game-reading ability, and adaptability will significantly benefit India. Having him in the lineup will add a new dimension, depth, and flexibility to the team. Potential speaks in favour of Jurel; he now only needs to back it up with some incredible shows during IPL 2024.