Ambati Rayudu has backed Indian Test opener Yashavi Jaiswal as a future competitor among India's greatest batters, highlighting his qualities as a Test cricketer and his potential to establish himself as a long-term asset for Indian cricket across formats.

Rayudu's assessment comes ahead of the New Zealand tour, where Jaiswal is expected to play a key role in the top order.

"Absolutely. I think he is one of the best Test batters we have going right now. In the future, he will be someone competing against the Indian greats. So, I feel that he has not only the game and the talent, but also the grit that is required to be a really good Test cricketer. I just think that he is an amazing cricketer and it is only a matter of time before he becomes good even in white-ball cricket," Rayudu said on Cricbuzz.

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik conceded that the left-handed batter should maintain the intensity. He insisted that Jaiswal should have a clear mind while getting into the opening Test of the two-match series.

“It is very good for him, because at the end of the day, the way he started his Test career and the way he has gone about it, he would want to maintain the intensity. You want to prove yourself in every condition that you go out. So, it is very important. If you look at him in England, he got hundreds, but he also had the odd failure there. He has not done anything wrong. Whatever format he plays, he has got hundreds. So, it is good that he is in a clear space walking into the first Test,” Kartik said.

Jurel's Test record and recent form

Dhruv Jurel has established himself as a capable Test performer since his debut, accumulating 651 runs across 12 Tests at an average of 40.68, with two centuries and two fifties to his name. His highest score stands at 125. Most recently, Jurel scored his maiden Test century outside India during the series against Sri Lanka, demonstrating his ability to perform in challenging conditions. The 25-year-old has been named in India's squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand beginning November 19.

Jurel's preparation for the New Zealand tour has been strengthened by his recent performance in the unofficial Test series against New Zealand A. On November 1, he scored 105 off 171 balls in the second match of the NZ A vs IND A 2026 series, marking his eighth century in first-class cricket. This was his fourth hundred against an elite opposition A team, having previously scored centuries against Australia A, South Africa A and Sri Lanka A.

Rayudu emphasised Jurel's ability to perform under pressure and his crucial role in the upcoming tour. The former India batter highlighted how Jurel consistently delivers when the team faces difficult situations, making him a vital asset for the series.

"If you look at Dhruv Jurel, he scores some important runs. Whenever I have seen him, he plays the situation really well. Whenever the team is struggling, I have seen him put his hand up, more often than not," Rayudu said.

"He is someone who I feel is very crucial on this tour. He will have a huge role to play coming in at No.6 or 7, especially to tackle the new ball. So, he is someone I think would have a good series," he added.