'I Was Literally In Shock' - Dhruv Jurel on His Unexpected India Selection For ENG Tests
Dhruv Jurel shot to fame through IPL 2023 (Instagram)
Promising wicketkeeper-batter, Dhruv Jurel has become the talk of the town following his inclusion in the Indian squad for the Test series against England. The young talent, who has been a significant figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, playing a crucial role as a finisher, expressed his astonishment and joy upon discovering his selection for the first two Tests of the 5-match series.
Dhruv Jurel recounts the moment he made the Indian squad
During an interview with Jio Cinema. Dhruv Jurel revealed that the news of his inclusion in the Indian team came unexpectedly one evening after practice, when he casually checked BCCI TV before heading to sleep. To his disbelief, he saw his name listed in the squad, a moment he described as surreal.
"We were having practice that day and it ended late in the evening. So, I was just going to sleep, and I casually opened BCCI TV and saw my name in the announced squad. I was literally in shock. Every kid playing cricket dreams of playing for the Indian national team. While seeing my name, I thought that I am living a dream," said Jurel.
The Rajasthan Royals star reflected on the aspiration shared by young cricketers to play at the national level as he acknowledged the challenging prospects for those from middle-class families due to the competitive nature of the sport and the financial burdens it entails. He recounted the flood of memories of his initial challenges and the journey he undertook to reach this milestone. According to Jurel, it was a moment of reflection and joy for him and his family, including his parents and sister.
"Every cricketer has this dream and for a middle-class family, when you are starting, it seems unattainable because so many people are competing and financially, it is expensive. How will we manage everything is something on the mind? All of that was flashing back, from where I started and all the struggles I overcame. Everything was happening like a flashback. My parents, sister, and I were all talking about it. It was a great and emotional moment," added the 23-year-old.
It is worth mentioning that the Dhruv Jurel stats in the IPL 2023, where he played 13 matches and scored 152 runs at an impressive strike rate of over 170, highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and sealed his reputation as a reliable finisher. This performance not only caught the eye of selectors but also made a strong case for his selection in the Indian squad.
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