Dhruv Jurel: where things stand

Samson has leapfrogged Pant as Rahul's backup in the ODI squad, while Dhruv Jurel remains a contender. Dhruv Jurel has emerged this Saturday as one of the stories drawing attention in Pakistan.

Key facts

• Samson has leapfrogged Pant as Rahul's backup in the ODI squad, while Dhruv Jurel remains a contender.
• Pant was the second choice during India's last ODI assignment against New Zealand at home in January; however, he was replaced by Dhruv Jurel midway through the series due to an injury.
• In IPL 2026 so far, Rishabh Pant has scored only 189 runs in eight matches for Lucknow Super Giants at an average of 27, including one half-century.
• Although Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are also being considered, Samson is currently the frontrunner.
• According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Samson has leapfrogged Pant as Rahul's backup in the ODI squad, while Jurel remains a contender.

What we know

Going deeper, Pant was the second choice during India's last ODI assignment against New Zealand at home in January; however, he was replaced by Dhruv Jurel midway through the series due to an injury.

On the substance, In IPL 2026 so far, Rishabh Pant has scored only 189 runs in eight matches for Lucknow Super Giants at an average of 27, including one half-century.

Beyond the headlines, although Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are also being considered, Samson is currently the frontrunner.

More precisely, According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Samson has leapfrogged Pant as Rahul's backup in the ODI squad, while Jurel remains a contender.

It is worth noting that LSG captain Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to be dropped from India's ODI team amid his struggles in IPL 2026.

By the numbers

At this stage, Pant, who is also no longer in the reckoning for the T20I team, could be replaced by Sanju Samson as India's second-choice wicketkeeper-batter.

On a related note, the report added that Samson has attracted the selectors' interest owing to his stunning form with the bat in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, as well as the ongoing IPL.

Going deeper, In his debut season for Chennai Super Kings, Samson has already smashed two centuries, scoring 304 runs in eight matches.

On the substance, despite limited opportunities in one-day cricket, Samson's record in the format reflects his class; he has scored 510 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.67, including one century and three fifties.

The wider context

On a related note, With India set to play 20 ODIs in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have firmly set their sights on the marquee event.

Going deeper, India is scheduled to play its next ODI series against Afghanistan starting June 14.

On the substance, In IPL 2026 so far, Pant has scored only 189 runs in eight matches for Lucknow Super Giants at an average of 27, including one half-century.

Beyond the headlines, Indian wicketkeeper and Malayali star Sanju Samson is currently enjoying a phenomenal run of form.

More precisely, the 31-year-old, who was the Player of the Tournament in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign, is also performing strongly in the IPL after moving from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings.

The bottom line

• Although Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are also being considered, Samson is currently the frontrunner.
• The report added that Samson has attracted the selectors' interest owing to his stunning form with the bat in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, as well as the ongoing IPL.
• Despite limited opportunities in one-day cricket, Samson's record in the format reflects his class; he has scored 510 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.67, including one century and three fifties.