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"Too Hard...": Ex-Cricketer Questions Dhruv Jurel's Role In India's Lord's Heartbreak

Akshita Patel

Dhruv Jurel under fire over leaking byes in Lord's Test [Source: @RahiDwivedi, @cricket_broken/X.com]Dhruv Jurel under fire over leaking byes in Lord's Test [Source: @RahiDwivedi, @cricket_broken/X.com]

India suffered a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test against England at Lord’s, and questions are now being raised about the performance of young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Sanjay Manjrekar shifted focus on the 25 byes conceded by Jureal behind the stumps.

After the first two innings of the Lord’s Test, scores were levelled and England put up 192 runs in the third inning to set up a challenging total for the visitors. Despite a series of ups and downs, Shubman Gill and co. fought hard, falling short of just 22 runs in the end.

Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Dhruv Jurel Amid Heavy Criticism

Turns out the 32 extra runs conceded to England in the third inning cost India a deserving victory at Lord’s. Out of the 32 extras, 25 came through byes as young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel struggled behind the stumps.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, defended the 23-year-old, saying he is far more accomplished than other keepers in India.

He explained that while Jurel may have looked shaky against fast bowling, many Indian wicketkeepers are more comfortable keeping to spinners and standing up to the stumps. Manjrekar stressed that Jurel, being a stand-in, shouldn't be criticised too much for the extras.

"Can you be too hard on Dhruv Jurel? (on extras), because he's come in as a stand-in keeper. Like a lot of Indian keepers, he looks far more accomplished when he is keeping against spinners and when he is close to the stumps," Manjrekar said.

Jurel was introduced as an injured Rishabh Pant's cover and had no time to adjust to Test match pressure. Manjrekar felt the situation called for some understanding, especially considering the high-pressure environment at Lord’s.

Dinesh Karthik Explains Key Difference Between Jurel And Pant

During Day 1 of the third Test between India and England, Dinesh Karthik praised Dhruv Jurel’s wicketkeeping technique while analysing his catch to dismiss Ollie Pope.

Replacing the injured Rishabh Pant, Jurel impressed with his body positioning and control through the gloves. Karthik, speaking to Sky Sports, said that Jurel remained lower and in line closer to his pads, which enabled better alignment and balance. In contrast, he stated that Pant's faster movements at times left him short of catching similar deliveries.