Exclusive: Dhruv Jurel responds to Sunil Gavaskar comparing him to MS Dhoni, says 'For me, I just want to be...'

During the Test series against England, Dhruv Jurel earned praise from legendary Sunil Gavaskar who compared him to former India captain MS Dhoni.

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Arun Rawal

MS Dhoni signing Sunil Gavaskar's shirt (left); Indian wickekeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel (right) at India Today conclave

MS Dhoni signing Sunil Gavaskar's shirt (left); Indian wickekeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel (right) at India Today conclave

Highlights:

Dhruv Jurel won the ‘Player of the Match’ award in MS Dhoni's backyard.

Jurel thanked Sunil Gavaskar for comparing him with Dhoni.

Many including legendary Sunil Gavaskar compared young Dhruv Jurel's presence of mind to former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Jurel, who is just three Tests old, played down the comparisons with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain. 
 

"Watching the presence of mind of Dhruv Jurel makes me think he's the next MS Dhoni in the making," said Gavaskar while commentating.
 

Jurel thanked Gavaskar for the remark but said no one can replicate Dhoni's achievements.
 

"Thank you so much Gavaskar sir for comparing me with Dhoni sir. But I want to say personally that no one can replicate what Dhoni sir has done. There is only one Dhoni. Always was and always will be. For me, I just want to be Dhruv Jurel. Whatever I do, I want to do as Dhruv Jurel."
 

"But Dhoni sir is a legend and he will always remain like that," said Jurel.

The 23-year-old also revealed that he has set Dhoni’s photogram as his WhatsApp display picture.
 

Jurel’s debut Test series

In his debut series, Jurel won the 'Player of the Match' in the fourth Test at Dhoni’s homeground in Ranchi. He received the award for his gutsy 90-run knock in India’s first innings. He scored 190 runs from four innings at an average of 63.33.
 

Gavaskar was impressed by Jurel’s composure as he is new to international cricket. On his Test debut, he pulled off a fantastic run out to dismiss Ben Duckett. He rushed to the striker’s end, collected the ball on the bounce while sliding, and took off the bails.

 

ALSO READ: Exclusive: Sarfaraz Khan reveals he offered to gift his bat to Shoaib Bashir if he gets out in Dharamsala Test
 

Jurel’s IPL career

The young wicketkeeper-batter plays as a finisher for Rajasthan Royals (RR). He made his Indian Premier League (IPL) in the previous edition and managed to score 152 runs from 13 matches at an average of 21.71. He was picked for his base price of Rs 20 lakh in the mega auction but made his IPL debut a season later.
 

Jurel will be seen in action when Sanju Samson-led RR take on KL Rahul's Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jaipur on March 24.
 

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