Dhruv Jurel produced a fine knock on Day 3, as he notched up a maiden half-century during the fourth Test against England. Dhruv Jurel made a statement with a composed 90-run innings in just his second Test match during Day 3 in Ranchi against England.
After reaching his half-century shortly into the start of the third day of the Test, Dhruv Jurel paid tribute to his father, a Kargil war veteran. His innings was more than just a display of skill; it was a soldier’s son fulfilling his father’s wish while guiding his team out of a challenging situation against a strong England side. Jurel’s determination to succeed at the highest level was evident as he shepherded the lower-order batters with unwavering resolve.
Dhruv Jurel’s inspiring Journey to Indian ranks as wicketkeeper batter
Dhruv Jurel’s debut in whites wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a story etched in grit, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream. From the dusty pitches of Agra to the hallowed turf of Lord’s, his journey is an inspiration to anyone who dares to chase the impossible.
Born into a modest family with a Kargil war veteran father, Dhruv’s passion for cricket burned bright even at a young age. Despite limited resources and initial rejections, his determination never faltered. He practiced relentlessly, honing his skills on worn-out pitches, fueled by an unwavering belief in his talent.
His journey wasn’t a fairytale. There were moments of self-doubt, financial constraints, and setbacks that could have easily deterred him. But Dhruv, like the willow he wields, bent but never broke. He found support in his family, especially his father, who nurtured his dream with calloused hands and unwavering love.
His talent and hard work finally bore fruit. He progressed through the ranks of domestic cricket, impressing with his consistent performances. His vice-captaincy in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup runner-up Indian team further showcased his leadership potential.
The call-up to the senior team wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a testament to his unwavering spirit. As he walked out to bat in his debut, the weight of expectation sat heavy on his shoulders. But Dhruv, the boy who once chased his dream on dusty pitches, faced the challenge head-on.
His debut innings might not have been a statistical marvel, but his presence on the field spoke volumes. The determination in his eyes, the grace in his strokes, and the unwavering focus were a clear message: this was just the beginning. India won the test and Dhruv Jurel inflicted brilliance behind the stumps to trigger English collapse.
Following a 2-1 lead , Dhruv Jurel’s was at Ranchi, home of talismanic Indian wicket keeper MS Dhoni, young Dhruv Jurel couldnt contain his dream to meet MS Dhoni one more time but before that produced one of the finest innings by an Indian wicketkeeper batter which would make MS Dhoni himself proud.
Dhruv Jurel’s magnificent 90 helped India stage a comeback to winning ways on the 3rd day.
Arriving at 161/5 in the final session of Day 2, Dhruv Jurel soon saw his side slip to 177/7 with England’s total of 353 still far away from reach. However, the wicket-keeper batter applied himself on a slow wicket with variable bounce and crafted two crucial stands with the lower-order batters. He added 76 runs along with Kuldeep Yadav for the eighth wicket, and 40 runs for the ninth wicket with Akash Deep.
By the time he was dismissed in the 104th over, India’s deficit was a mere 46 runs. A brilliant follow-up from India’s spinners in the third innings ensured that England were bowled out for 145, and the hosts needed 192 to win the Test.
Jurel fell short of a maiden Test ton in his second Test, but the wicket-keeper felt no regret over missing out on the landmark. Rather his focus remained on winning his first-ever Test series, and was vocal about it in the post match press conference. This grit and determination shown by the young Indian wicketkeeper in only his 2nd innings with the bat at international level with red ball has all the praises from Former Indian cricketer now commentator Aakash Chopra.
It was incredible- Aakash Chopra on Dhruv Jurel’s knock
Aakash Chopra has lauded Dhruv Jurel for playing a fighting knock in India’s first innings of the fourth Test against England in Ranchi.
Jurel scored 90 runs off 149 deliveries to help India post 307 and limit their first-innings deficit to 46. The hosts then bundled England out for 145 and ended Day 3 (Sunday, February 25) at 40 for no loss, needing 152 runs more to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised Jurel for playing a valiant knock under pressure. He elaborated
“Dhruv Jurel is the story. He did an amazing job. A 90-run knock, it wasn’t a century but it wasn’t less than that either. When the day started, I felt India might concede a lead close to 90 runs because you were behind by 134 runs, Jurel was there with Kuldeep, and the second-new ball was about to be due.”
“However, Kuldeep stood there and Dhruv Jurel kept hitting. It was incredible the way both of them batted. Dhruv Jurel is the son of a Kargil war hero. The passion to fight for the country flows in his blood,” the former India opener added.
Chopra noted that the wicketkeeper-batter kept England at bay before he was the last man dismissed. He stated:
“He said that he might not be at the border like his father but wherever he will have the country’s flag in his hand, he will wave it for sure, that he is not one to show his back and run away and will fight till the end. He was the tenth man to be dismissed.”
Jurel struck six fours and four sixes during his knock. He added 76 runs for the eighth wicket with Kuldeep Yadav after India were in a precarious position at 177/7.
Aakash Chopra on Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav’s partnership
While also praising Shoaib Bashir and Ravichandran Ashwin apart from Dhruv Jurel, Aakash Chopra picked Kuldeep Yadav as the star performer of the day. He said
“Kuldeep Yadav was the most fantastic performer. He first batted well and then picked up four wickets. If that partnership hadn’t happened, so many runs wouldn’t have been scored. If he had not picked up those four wickets, we wouldn’t have been able to control the game.”
While Bashir registered figures of 5/119 in India’s first innings, Ashwin returned a spell of 5/51 in England’s second essay. Kuldeep followed up his 28-run knock with a spell of 4/22.
Team India will be wary of England’s fightback, given their successful defence of a modest 230 in the opening Test in Hyderabad. Hence, Rohit Sharma and Co. will not take them lightly even as they are 40-0 in pursuit if 192 but would definitely want to go to Dharamshala for final test on 7th March with 3-1 winning lead over England.