Dhruv Jurel (Source:@CatchOfThe40986,x.com)
As the Indian team prepares to announce its squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, the spotlight is firmly on the wicketkeeper-batter slot. With reports suggesting Rishabh Pant could be left out and Ishan Kishan is in line for a return, another name has quietly but strongly entered the conversation is Dhruv Jurel.
The Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter produced a stunning unbeaten 160 off 101 balls against Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, sending a clear message through his bat.
His innings, which included 15 fours and eight sixes, came at a strike rate of 158.42 and helped Uttar Pradesh post 369 for 7, their third-highest total in List A cricket.
Jurel’s knock was historic. It became the highest individual List A score for Uttar Pradesh, surpassing Aryan Juyal’s 159 and Madhav Kaushik’s 158*.
Jurel emphasises team effort over personal milestones
Despite the attention his form has drawn, Dhruv Jurel remained clear about what mattered most to him. He stressed that winning the match was far more special than personal milestones.
According to him, cricket is a team game where every contribution has value, whether it is a quick 30 or a long hundred.
"Winning is what matters. All 11 players work towards one goal. Every contribution counts someone scoring 30 off 15 balls can be as valuable as someone scoring 100. Matches are won through team effort, so I'm very happy."
While India does not have any Test matches scheduled for the next seven months, Jurel is already thinking ahead. Red-ball cricket, he admits, is very close to his heart. Being called a Test cricketer abroad brings a different kind of respect, and that continues to motivate him.
"I'm always excited to play red-ball cricket and am very fortunate to have played Tests for India. Test cricket has its own value. When you go abroad and people call you a Test cricketer, it feels good. Red-ball is close to my heart and brings a different kind of respect. I'm already thinking about our series in Sri Lanka in 7-8 months, how I can prepare, the sessions we get with spinners, how I can tackle spin better. These little things - the planning and visualisation - keep going on."
Dhruv Jurel’s mantra before Vijay Hazare Trophy
Jurel’s prefers to keep his focus on the process rather than selection outcomes. Before the tournament, he spent long hours batting in the nets, sometimes for four to five hours.
He stated that he created match situations in his mind and worked through different scenarios.
"I don't set too many goals for myself. I focus on the process. Even before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when I got some time, I was batting for 4-5 hours and creating scenarios in my mind about what I can do. Whatever the result and selection may be, no one can take my hard work away from me. That's why I work hard. It has brought me this far and will take me further."
He believes that while results and selections are not always in a player’s control, hard work is something no one can take away.
