Insights on Dhruv Jurel, youngster who is likely to make his Test debut in Rajkot against England

Dhruv Jurel is likely to make his Test debut during the third Test against England in Rajkot. The youngster has been in the Indian squad for the series against England in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Given the fact that KS Bharat was preferred for the job of wicketkeeping, Dhruv has been waiting for his chance to make his India debut. 

It looks like Jurel might finally get his moment. The youngster played for India in the Under 19 World Cup which will feature the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyam Garg, and Tilak Varma in the team. Jurel plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. The youngster has a good record for a WK batter in domestic cricket, although the sample size is less. 

In 15 matches for UP, Jurel has 790 runs to his name at a batting average of 47.2, at a batting strike rate of 92.2. For a lower middle-order batter, these are impressive numbers. Jurel was used as an impact player by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2023. The youngster emerged as one of the best finishers of the 16th edition of the league. 

‘I would like to dedicate this moment to my father’ – Dhruv Jurel

In 13 matches in the league, Jurel scored 152 runs at a batting average of 21.7, a terrific strike rate of 172.7. Jurel did not keep wickets for RR, as Samson assumed the role. Dhruv got his maiden India call-up for the series against England. Speaking about it, Jurel got emotional. He spoke about his potential debut in Rajkot and claimed to dedicate it to his father. 

Jurel regarded his father as his biggest strength. Dhruv added that his father always guides him to do well in his life and career. “If I get the Indian cap, I would like to dedicate this moment to my father. Because he’s my hero. Whenever I just fail to understand something, I just talk to him, and he always guides me,” said Jurel. India will be playing England in the 3rd Test from the 15th to the 19th of February after a long break.