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Dhruv Jurel Is Knitting His Own Downfall Web: Is This Right Path For His Career?

Rajgeeta Yadav

Dhruv Jurel Is Knitting His Own Downfall Web [Source: AFP]Dhruv Jurel Is Knitting His Own Downfall Web [Source: AFP]

Indian cricket has always had a rich supply of wicketkeeper-batters, but few stories have been as quick and dramatic as that of Dhruv Jurel. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Jurel’s name first came into the spotlight when he scored a gritty half-century in the Test series against England after an excellent domestic season. Calm under pressure and sharp behind the stumps, he looked like a player India could count on for the future.

His rise in Indian Premier League (IPL) also caught attention. Picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹20 lakh in 2022, Jurel made his debut in 2023 and played 13 matches. His breakthrough came in IPL 2024 though, where he scored 195 runs in 11 innings, including two fifties, with an impressive strike rate of 138.39. His fearless batting and resilience in crunch moments made him one of RR’s brightest young stars. 

So much so, that RR retained him in 2025 for a massive ₹14 crore, a jaw-dropping jump from his initial salary. In IPL 2025, Jurel did reasonably well again, scoring 333 runs in 13 innings with a strike rate of 156.33. His ability to finish games and play under pressure led RR to back him even over their veteran star Jos Buttler.

But here is where the story takes a tricky turn.

The Pressure of Expectations

The franchise and national selectors put faith in Jurel, even ahead of big names like Ishan Kishan and Jitesh Sharma. He was seen as India’s long-term option in red-ball cricket after Rishabh Pant, especially since he had already scored 255 runs in 8 Test innings, including a fifty.

But in T20Is, Jurel hasn’t made much of an impact. Since debuting in 2024 against Zimbabwe, he has played only 4 innings and managed just 12 runs. With Sanju Samson preferred as India T20I wicketkeeper and other youngsters waiting in line, Jurel’s spot is far from secure.

Just when things were falling in place, Jurel’s career has hit an unexpected roadblock. After being named captain of Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy and included in the Asia Cup 2025 squad as a reserve, he suffered injury and later battled dengue. This kept him out of games, missed chances that could have cemented his place in Indian team setup.

Cricket history shows how injuries can derail even the most promising careers. A painful reminder is Craig Kieswetter, England attacking wicketkeeper-batter, who shone on the world stage but was forced to retire after a freak injury in 2014. His case shows how quickly fortunes can change.

What Lies Ahead for Jurel?

For now, Jurel’s future depends on two things, his recovery and his ability to grab chances when they come. India have no shortage of wicketkeeping options, and in modern-day cricket, competition is brutal. A couple of missed tournaments can push even a talented player down the pecking order.

But Jurel has already shown grit and resilience. His IPL performances prove he can shine under pressure, and his Test performances have shown his temperament for the longer format. If he can bounce back strongly from this setback, he could still script a long and successful career.

The question is: Will Dhruv Jurel recover in time to make the most of his golden opportunity, or will this setback start weaving a web of downfall around him?

Only time will tell.