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'At That Time…'- Dhruv Jurel Recalls First Interaction With Idol Dhoni Ahead Of Ranchi Test

image-lsvrpsq8Jurel in action [AP]

Young Indian wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel nostalgically reminisced about his first encounter with his idol and former India captain MS Dhoni during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. He said that he was in disbelief at finding himself standing alongside the legendary cricketer.

India played two debutants in Rajkot, one of them being Dhruv Jurel. He played a crucial role in India’s historic 434-run victory against the visitors. 

The hosts successfully defended a total of 556 runs in England’s second innings, securing their biggest-ever victory in terms of runs in Test cricket. 

Jurel’s performance on his Test debut is certain to inspire hope. Besides his solid 46 in Rajkot, his wicketkeeping skills also earned plaudits.

His run-out of Ben Duckett in the second innings, in particular, garnered praise, even from captain Rohit Sharma on Instagram. Jurel is set to retain his place in the playing XI in Ranchi, the hometown of his idol, MS Dhoni.

In a video shared by the BCCI ahead of the Ranchi Test match between India and England, Jurel fondly reflected on his initial encounter with MS Dhoni during IPL 2021. He described how he had to pinch himself to confirm the surreal experience of standing next to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper.

"I was just watching him, and I stood up and started thinking, 'Is this MS Dhoni standing in front of me?' My first interaction with him was in IPL 2021, which was my first season," Jurel said. 

"At that time, I was pinching myself to see whether it was a dream or not. My dream is to meet Mahi bhai, especially after the match, after an international game. Whenever I have talked to him, I have always learned something new from him, so I hope that I get a chance to meet him during the fourth Test at Ranchi,"  he added. 

Like his idol, Jurel also dons the gloves for India and aspires to follow in the footsteps of the legendary player. At just 23, the wicketkeeper-batter is considered one of the rising stars of the nation and could be in for a long stint with the national team.