'My Mother Sold Her Gold Chain' - Dhruv Jurel After Maiden India Call-Up In Tests
Dhruv Jurel [X.com]
As he celebrates the biggest moment of his cricketing journey after being called up for India's Test squad, Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel recalled his mother selling her gold chain to kickstart the son's dream as he wanted to buy a cricket kit but there was not enough money.
In a story of the most humble beginnings, Jurel reminisced realising only later how big a sacrifice his mother made after fighting with the youngster's father - Nem Singh Jurel, a Kargil war veteran, who never wanted the son to take up sports - to let her ward give cricket a shot.
Dhruv, who was only 14 years old back then, threatened to run away from his home if his father didn't let him pursue the cricketing dream. But his mother's strength and courage came to the player's rescue and the father, who wanted his son to opt for a secure government job, had to give in.
Recently, the UP cricketer received his maiden India call-up for the forthcoming series against the visiting England.
Dhruv Jurel Recalls Mother's 'Big Sacrifice'
"Us waqt toh realise nahi hua (I did not realise it then) but when I understood how big a sacrifice it was, I became more determined," Jurel told Hindustan Times in June last year after bursting onto the scene as a fantastic aggressor for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2023.
Life came full circle on the 22-year-old's unexpected first IPL outing against Punjab Kings (PBKS) when after walking in with 74 runs required off 30 deliveries at No.8, he smashed an unbeaten 32 off 15 balls as the franchise's 'Impact Player'.
Jurel earned effusive praise from all corners for emerging as a hero and great assaulter in a side that already featured West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer. But his biggest compliment was reserved by the father, who was present with his mother in the stands.
"They came to watch an IPL match in Jaipur. Papa turned towards mummy and said 'Tere sone ki chain wasool ho gayi aaj' (Your gold chain has been repaid)," he added.
Jurel, who has played 15 first-class matches for UP and India 'A', is one of the three wicketkeeping options included in India's elongated squad for the first two Tests of the series against England, starting January 25.
 "Kashish Chadha")
