Dhruv Jurel is finally set to play his first Test in the series against England at the Oval starting from Friday, July 31. With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the series, Jurel is set to don the keeper’s gloves no longer as a substitute but as a part of the playing XI.
Jurel kept for Pant, who picked up a finger injury in the Lord’s Test. He then kept for him as a backup keeper once again throughout the fifth Test in Manchester after he injured his toe.
However, now his wait to play in this Test series is finally over. The BCCI announced N Jagadeesan as Pant’s replacement for the remainder of the Test series. However, it is Dhruv Jurel who will be playing at The Oval. So far, he has played four Tests, scoring 202 runs, averaging 40.40 with a best score of 90 runs against England in Ranchi in 2024.
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Dhruv Jurel To Bat In The Lower-Order At The Oval
Dhruv Jurel has displayed fabulous keeping skills throughout the Lord’s and the Manchester Tests. He also picked up a stump in the series that of Harry Brook. Jurel last played a Test for India in November 2024, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. Since then, the Rajasthan Royals star has been patiently awaiting his next opportunity.
Now with the opportunity in sight, Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach Parvendra Yadav spoke to Times of India, saying that head coach Gautam Gambhir hinted Jurel about being ready for his opportunity.
"Gambhir had a brief chat with him. He motivated him a lot. In fact, he told him, ‘You will be the backbone of India’s middle order.’ 'Jab mauka mile, do better' — that’s what Gambhir said to him. Gambhir hailed him and said, ‘Acha keeping kiya.’ He says every single member of the team is supportive and helpful. 'Mauka milega zarur, intezar karo, karo, keep working hard” said Yadav to TOI.
Jurel’s childhood coach further said that Gambhir has asked him to bat between five to eight in the lineup and score tough runs for India.
"Gambhir said, ‘Dhruv, you have the capability to bat from the No. 5 to No. 8 positions.’ It’s a challenging role, especially when the team is in deep trouble or needs runs. Coach saab taught him how to prepare for different batting positions. He is learning and applying everything in his game," Yadav added.
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Jurel Received Backing From Pant
Yadav further added that Jural has received backing and support not only from Gambhir but also from Rishabh Pant, who has also motivated him a lot.
“Pant has also motivated him a lot. In fact, during the series, he sat with Pant and took some keeping tips. He has passed on his keeping skills to him. Not just Pant — his meetings with MS Dhoni have changed his life. Dhoni told him to keep a 360-degree angle. How to maintain a 360-degree view — that’s what he learnt from Dhoni,” Yadav said.
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