Dhruv Jurel’s introduction to Test cricket in 2024 was a classic case of opportunity meeting preparation. Initially the backup wicketkeeper, his chance arrived during the home series against England when the selectors, frustrated with KS Bharat’s underwhelming returns with the bat, handed Jurel his debut. The 24-year-old, who everyone took notice of after his debut knock of 32 off 15 balls as an Impact-sub for Rajasthan Royals in 2023, stepped up, impressing immediately with his tidy work behind the stumps and useful contributions with the bat in the three Tests at Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!His journey since has been defined by filling whatever role the team required. Later that year in Australia, he was drafted into the playing XI for the Perth Test as a pure batter following an injury to Shubman Gill. Though he was later sidelined, Rishabh Pant’s subsequent injuries in England thrust Jurel back into the spotlight as a substitute keeper for the critical Tests at Lord’s and The Oval, where he again proved his reliability.Now, with Pant still on the road to recovery, Jurel has been entrusted with the keeping duties for the home series against the West Indies. And in Ahmedabad, he has authored his most compelling argument yet. His maiden Test century on Day Two of the first Test, which India won convincingly by an innings and 140 runs, was more than a personal milestone; it was a powerful, narrative-shifting innings. Until now, Jurel has been a stand-in, a capable deputy covering for absent colleagues. The 125-run knock, however, has changed the conversation.The undeniable truth is that Rishabh Pant, a proven match-winner, will reclaim his spot once fully fit. But Jurel, through this innings and his consistent performances for India A and in the domestic circuit, has made the selectors’ task incredibly difficult.Jurel has also earned a call-up in the ODI squad for the upcoming away ODI series against Australia.The pressing question is no longer about his capability as a backup keeper, but whether the team can afford to leave a batter of his capability out of the side entirely.Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour, who has worked with Jurel in the Indian side and Royals set-up since last year, feels the youngster from Agra continues to bat the way he has been batting, he can push for a place purely as a batter.“At this stage of his career, this hundred is extremely important for Jurel. He is fortunate to get this opportunity with Rishabh Pant injured. But by scoring runs like this, he is consolidating his place in the team. When Pant returns, he will naturally comeback as a wicketkeeper-batter, but if Jurel continues to bat the way he has been batting lately, he can push for a place purely as a batter in the team. He certainly has the technique, the skill and temperament to play for India as a specialist batter. By scoring hundred he has grabbed that opportunity with both his hands,” Rathour told TOI.
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The ex-India batting coach pointed out Jurel’s ‘right mindset’. “In Test cricket, Jurel has shown the temperament and technique you need at this level. He plays very correct cricket which is such an asset in the longer format. I had the opportunity to work with him during his debut series against England and he played a couple of vital knocks for us, especially in the match in Ranchi. It showed his ability to absorb pressure, his patience, his clarity in shot selection. Those are the qualities you look for in a Test player and Jurel certainly has them,” he added.
