# Murali Kartik names Dhruv Jurel his pick for SL Tests

2026-08-12T15:53:19+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

Former India spinner Murali Kartik, speaking to Sony Sports Network, has backed Dhruv Jurel to retain the No. 6 spot ahead of Sarfaraz Khan for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15 in Galle. Kartik cited Jurel’s consistency and utility as a Test batter, while also stressing the need for a clear role for Kuldeep Yadav as Ravindra Jadeja nears the end of his career. India are fifth in the World Test Championship standings and need a strong series to revive their campaign after recent red-ball struggles. The selection debate comes as India fill the void left by seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kartik dismissed concerns over Kuldeep’s batting, saying his wicket-taking ability makes him a match-winner. He also flagged Shubman Gill’s fitness as a concern. Meanwhile, warm-up form has pushed Devdutt Padikkal into contention for No. 3.

## Coverage

- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sarfaraz-khan-vs-dhruv-jurel-debate-settled-murali-kartik-names-his-clear-pick-for-sri-lanka-tests-11899402#publisher=newsstand>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/is-he-the-leader-kartiks-big-kuldeep-question-india-sri-lanka-tests/20260812.htm>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2026-27/where-is-kuldeep-yadav-stars-england-snub-revisited-as-india-face-sri-lanka-with-wtc-on-line-11901232>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/where-is-kuldeep-yadav-stars-england-snub-revisited-as-india-face-sri-lanka-with-wtc-on-line-11901232#publisher=newsstand>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/murali-kartik-explains-indias-test-cricket-struggles-breaks-down-indias-post-rohit-kohli-challenge-exclusive-article-155600800>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/sarfaraz-khan-or-dhruv-jurel-indias-no-6-dilemma-takes-centre-stage-ahead-of-sri-lanka-test/articleshow/133169615.cms>

Tags: Dhruv Jurel, India Test team, Kuldeep Yadav, Murali Kartik, Sarfaraz Khan, Sri Lanka Tests
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