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Dhruv Jurel (Source-Twitter)
22-year-old Dhruv Jurel was handed a surprising call-up to the Indian team on Friday. Uttar Pradesh’s wicketkeeper and batter has replaced Ishan Kishan for the first two Tests. It has been a meteoric rise to the top for the youngster who has suddenly hogged the limelight.
KL Rahul and KS Bharat have also been listed as the wicketkeepers for the side. It was said that Rahul will not be the wicketkeeper for the two Tests. The 31-year-old was the wicketkeeper for India during the Test series in South Africa.
The move to pick Dhruv Jurel created a lot of shock in the cricketing circle. But there is a massive reason why the youngster is part of the Indian team. It is due to his ability with the gloves and his batting that has earned him a place in the 16-man squad.
Quick rise to the top for Dhruv Jurel –
Dhruv Jurel will turn a year older just four days before the first Test vs England in Hyderabad. Indian cricket selectors picked Dhruv Jurel as a long-term view as far as a wicketkeeper is concerned.
Rishabh Pant is yet to get fully fit and Ishan Kishan has been dealing with his issues. The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi were part of the same Under-19 team that saw Jurel being named the vice-captain.
Like any other story, Dhruv Jurel had to face a lot of issues when he was growing up as far as finances were concerned. His mother made the ultimate sacrifice when she sold her belongings so that the youngster could achieve his dreams.
Making his First Class debut for UP against Vidarbha, Jurel made an immediate impact scoring 64 runs. It was his very first innings and he showed the maturity of a man who has played over 50 games.
During the recent India A versus South Africa A series, the 22-year-old scored yet another half-century. Behind the wickets, Jurel pouched three catches and made it a day to remember.
After coming back to India, the young man showed his form with yet another fifty versus Kerala. All these performances allowed the selectors to make their minds up and pick him for the first two matches. While a debut isn’t expected, at least Dhruv Jurel can take this as an experience and step in the right direction.