Dhruv Jurel, a talented 22-year-old cricketer from Uttar Pradesh, has received his first-ever call-up to the Indian cricket team for the initial two Tests against England starting on 25th January. The 16-member squad, led by Rohit Sharma, excludes fast bowler Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan, with Jurel, a talented wicket-keeper, being included in the team. However, he may not have the opportunity to debut in the first two Tests as there are two other keepers, KL Rahul and KS Bharat, also part of the squad.
In his first-class career, Jurel has participated in 15 matches, amassing a total of 790 runs at an average of 46.47, including a century and five fifties. In List A matches, he has showcased his prowess in 10 games, accumulating 189 runs at an average of 47.25 with two fifties. In T20 matches, he has played in 23 games, scoring 244 runs with a strike rate of 137.07.
Representing the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Jurel made an immediate impact in the 2023 season, scoring 152 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 172.73.
Jurel’s journey to becoming a professional cricketer was not without its challenges. Hailing from a modest background, cricket was not the primary career choice for Jurel, especially in the eyes of his father, who hoped his son would follow in his footsteps or pursue a government job. However, Jurel’s unwavering determination to play cricket led to his mother sacrificing her gold chain to purchase him a cricket kit, altering the course of his life.
After experiencing success in Agra, Jurel decided to relocate to Noida to enhance his cricketing opportunities, with his mother’s unwavering support. Ultimately, he earned a spot as the vice-captain in the India U19 team for the 2020 World Cup.