India vs England: My father is my hero and I will dedicate my Test cap to him, says Dhruv Jurel
Speaking on the eve of his potential Test debut, Dhruv Jurel opened up about his 'hero' and had fun discussing his experience of finding a seat on the Indian team bus. India will take on England in the 3rd Test in Rajkot on Thursday.
In Short
- Dhruv Jurel, 23, is likely to make his Test debut in Rajkot
- Dhruv Jurel's father, aKargil war veteran, initially opposed his son playing cricket
- India take on England in the 3rd Test in Rajkot from Thursday
Dhruv Jurel is closing on a Test debut as he is likely to replace KS Bharat in the third of the ongoing 5-match Test series between India and England in Rajkot. Speaking on the eve of the third Test, the 23-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter said he would dedicate the maiden Test cap to his father as a tribute to the support he has given him over the years.
Dhruv Jurel, who made a name for himself with impact knocks for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023, was picked in the Test squad for the home series against England in Ishan Kishan's absence. However, he was warming the benches in the first two Tests as senior gloveman KS Bharat got the nod ahead of him. In the lead-up to the 3rd Test, there is speculation that India might drop Bharat, considering his lack of form with the bat and give Dhruv an opportunity.
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The visuals from India's training session at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday told the story as Dhruv Jurel was having an intense wicketkeeping session with his captain Rohit Sharma keeping a close eye on him. Dhruv impressed with his glovework in the evening before he padded up and had a long batting training session.
"If I get the India cap, I would like to dedicate this to my father because he is my hero. Whenever I feel confused, I will talk to him. He guides me. He is my hero," Dhruv Jurel told the BCCI.
Dhruv Jurel's mother sold her gold chain to afford his cricket kit, while his father, Nem Singh Jurel, a Kargil war veteran, initially opposed his involvement in sports. Dhruv was determined to honour his mother's sacrifices and pursued cricket with unwavering dedication. His father eventually backed him and has been a pillar of support to the wicketkeeper-batter.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO FIND A SEAT?
Dhruv Jurel has impressed in his nascent domestic career. He made his debut in the Ranji Trophy 2022 season against Vidarbha and quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. In 15 first-class matches, he amassed 790 runs at an impressive average of 46.47, including a double-century and five half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel shared memories of his nervy team bus experience with fellow young gun Yashasvi Jaiswal in a fun chat.
"To be honest, I was literally nervous as soon as I got to know that my name is in the Indian cricket team. So I was just worried about where to sit in the bus. I was worried that someone would come to the seat I was sitting and tell me 'this is my seat'. I was literally nervous. I just came up with this strategy that if the bus is leaving at 8, I will come into the bus at 7:59 and see everyone settled before taking the bus," he said.
India have a lot to ponder as they gear up to firm up their team combination for the 3rd Test, starting February 15 in Rajkot.