Hailing from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Dhruv Jurel’s childhood dream of playing cricket clashed with his father Nem Singh’s desire for him to serve the nation. Nem Singh, a hero of the Kargil war, envisioned a different path for his son. Despite the initial resistance, Dhruv, born in 2001, pursued his passion for cricket against his father’s wishes.
In the ongoing fourth Test against England, Dhruv Jurel showcased his prowess, batting at number seven and scoring an impressive 90 runs in India’s first innings. This follows his noteworthy 46-run inning in the Rajkot Test, capturing attention and admiration in the cricketing world.
The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman’s remarkable performance in the Ranchi Test, where he aggressively faced English bowlers with six fours and four sixes, has garnered praise from the team management. Speculations suggest that he might secure a spot in the upcoming Dharamshala Test (7-11 March).
Dhruv Jurel journey to this point has been a testament to his perseverance. Despite his father’s reservations, Dhruv, while studying in Army School, transitioned from swimming to cricket. His passion for the sport led to his father reluctantly supporting him, even taking a loan to buy him a cricket bat.
Having played Under-14 and Under-16 age group cricket for Uttar Pradesh, Dhruv Jurel breakthrough came when he was selected for India’s under-19 team for the 2020 World Cup. He later captained the team to victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup. Initially, a middle-order batsman who occasionally bowled off-spin, Dhruv found his niche as a wicketkeeper, impressing everyone with his skills.
His Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh in 2022 marked the beginning of a successful first-class career, amassing 790 runs in 15 matches, including a century and five half-centuries. Dhruv Jurel IPL debut in 2023 with Rajasthan Royals further catapulted him into the limelight, securing his place in the team for IPL 2024.
His consistent performances earned him a spot in the India A team during the South Africa tour. Dhruv Jurel inclusion in the home series against England showcases the selectors’ confidence in his abilities. While not the primary choice as the team’s wicketkeeper in the first two Tests, his exposure to the senior Indian men’s dressing room is deemed invaluable.
Inspired by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Dhruv Jurel aspires to captain the Indian team, showcasing his wicketkeeping skills with patience and cleverness. Admiring AB de Villiers in batting and looking up to Virat Kohli for fitness, Dhruv, under the mentorship of cricketing legends like Rohit and Virat, has ample time to refine his talent and leave an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.