After a memorable 2023 that saw him getting the IPL limelight after impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in his first season at the popular T20 competition, Dhruv Jurel’s 2024 has started on an even better note with a maiden India call-up.
“He’s (Jurel) a fantastic young man, a really good player who has worked really hard to get where he has. And that the fact that he’s gone through our development camps and ended up in the Test side is fantastic,” he added.
The youngster has been picked for the first two Tests of the upcoming England series at home and will be in contention for a spot as a specialist wicketkeeper alongside KS Bharat who has already represented India in the longest format.
Having witnessed his rise closely, Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara who is also the head coach at RR, has praised Jurel for his work ethic.
“Very proud and happy because one of our key motivators and one of our key kind of performance indicators away from the IPL is producing players for India and we have produced quite a lot over the years and Dhruv being a new addition,” Sangakkara told reports after India’s squad announcement.
When asked about the standout qualities of the 22-year-old, Sangakkara, currently in South Africa for the SA20, said the youngster understands pressure and red-ball cricket for India will be a good test of his “technique and character.”
“His work ethic, demeanor, understands pressure. He came in last season in one of the most difficult positions and scored so many runs for us. He’s an absolute match-winner in the short format. He’s always going to do well. He’s just that kind of player,” the former Sri Lanka captain said.
Jurel played 13 matches for RR during IPL 2023 and became their designated finisher in a short span. He belted 152 runs in 11 innings at a super strike-rate of 172.73.
