The young and talented wicketkeeper-batter, Dhruv Jurel is elated to join the Indian Test squad for the first two matches against England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad on January 12, naming Jurel alongside experienced players like KL Rahul and KS Bharat as the team's wicketkeepers.
"Having the tears of joy and happiness," Jurel wrote on his Instagram story.
At just 22 years old, Jurel has already made a significant mark in first-class cricket. He started his career with Uttar Pradesh, debuting in the Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha in 2022. In his brief but impressive first-class career, he has participated in 15 matches, amassing 790 runs. His batting average stands at a commendable 46.47, with a strike-rate of 56.63.
His batting prowess is further highlighted by his record, which includes one century and five half-centuries. One of his most notable performances was against Nagaland in December 2022 at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima, where he scored a remarkable 249 runs.
Jurel's talent further shone through in his recent performances with India A. In the two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa A, he bounced back from an initial duck in the first match to score a solid 69 in the second. Moreover, he continued his good form with a half-century against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy earlier this month.
His skills extend beyond domestic cricket, as evident from his stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Over 13 matches, Jurel scored 152 runs at an average of 21.71 and a striking strike-rate of 172.73. His highest score in the tournament was an unbeaten 34.
Jurel's inclusion in the national squad is a testament to his consistent performances and potential as a rising star in Indian cricket. His selection offers him an excellent opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage and contribute significantly to the Indian Test team.
India squad for first two Tests against England: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
India announce squad for 1st two Tests against England as 22-year-old gets maiden call up; Ishan Kishan still out
WATCH: Ishan Kishan drops hint on his whereabouts by posting a video following disciplinary action rumours
