Dhruv Jurel, the captain of Central Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy tournament, has been ruled out of the impending semi-final against West Zone set to begin on September 4. Jurel, who was ruled out of the quarter-final owing to a groin niggle, will now be sidelined for a longer duration. As per reports, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has contracted dengue.
Usman Ghani, the Central Zone head coach, confirmed Jurel's dengue diagnosis and announced Akshay Wadkar as his replacement for the semi-final. In Jurel's absence, Rajat Patidar led Central Zone in their quarter-final against North East Zone. While the match was drawn, Central Zone prevailed through a massive first-inning lead. They racked up 532/4d in 102 overs. North East Zone were later bowled out for 185. Central Zone declared their innings on 331/7 before North East Zone managed 200/6.