In just two Test matches, 23-year-old Dhruv Jurel has truly showcased his Test-level prowess. His remarkable courage and cricketing skills have demonstrated that he stands as a strong candidate to be the primary wicket-keeper for the Indian team once Pant makes his return.
Dhruv Jurel marked his Test debut in Rajkot, taking the place of KS Bharat, who had been struggling consistently. The young player showcased impressive skills with both bat and gloves right from the start.
In his first Test innings, Jurel contributed 46 runs, playing a crucial role in helping India surpass the 400-run mark. The fourth Test saw him shine with the bat as India secured a convincing five-wicket victory over England, securing a 3-1 lead in the series.
Jurel earned the Player of the Match award for his standout performances in both innings. In the first innings, with India struggling at 177 for 7 in response to England’s 353, he scored 90 runs, aiding the team in reaching a total of 307.
During the second innings, India faced a challenging situation chasing 192 on a difficult pitch. At 120 for 5, Jurel partnered with Shubman Gill, forming an unbeaten 72-run stand that guided India to victory. Beyond his run-scoring abilities, Jurel has received praise for his composure and temperament, with many foreseeing a promising future for him in international cricket.
As Dhruv Jurel continues to deliver under pressure, the team management may find themselves in a dilemma when Rishabh Pant returns to the squad. Pant, the Delhi star, is slated to make a comeback next month during the IPL and is expected to be part of India’s upcoming Test challenges.
We’ll have to wait and see who gets the nod as the wicketkeeper in the playing eleven. According to The Telegraph, there’s a possibility for both players to be on the field together, with Dhruv Jurel likely taking on the role of a specialist batter.
“You never know… Even after Rishabh Pant’s return, Jurel could still retain his place in the XI as a specialist batter. He has proved he can be an asset to the team just as a batsman too,” a BCCI insider told the Telegraph.
The upcoming final Test match against England in Dharamshala is scheduled to kick off on March 7th.
