India wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel emphasized that team victories matter more to him than personal milestones. The 24-year-old said he feels privileged to be part of the Indian Test squad and that being around the team has boosted his confidence.
Dhruv Jurel has firmly established himself in the Test setup, often stepping in when Rishabh Pant is unavailable. He was included in the playing XI during India’s last Test series against England when Pant missed the fifth Test at The Oval due to a foot injury. So far, Jurel has featured in five Tests, scoring 255 runs in eight innings at an average of 36.43, including one half-century.
Currently, Dhruv Jurel is representing India A in the unofficial Test series against Australia A. In the opening match, he played a stellar innings of 140 runs in the first innings, helping India A reach a formidable total of 531/7 declared. Earlier, Australia A had posted 532/6 declared, and the match eventually ended in a draw.
“I feel very lucky and privileged to have played Tests for India,” says Dhruv Jurel
“Being around the [India] team definitely boosts your confidence. I consider myself very lucky and privileged to have had the chance to play Tests for India and to be part of the team. Even when you’re not playing, being around senior players teaches you so much. In a country of billions, how many people get this opportunity?” Jurel said.
The wicket-keeper batsman also highlighted that team success takes precedence over personal milestones.
“Earlier, I used to focus on whether I scored 100 or 150, but now I realise the team’s victory is more important. In first-class cricket, I have had seven or eight scores in the 90s—four officially—where I could have converted them into centuries,” he explained.
Dhruv Jurel: “One of those was during the Ranchi Test against England in February 2024, where I scored 90 and an unbeaten 39, helping the team win and earning the Player of the Match award. Cricket is a team sport, and winning as a team matters more than individual scores,” he added.
Jurel first entered the India A squad in December 2023 during the South Africa tour. He made his Test debut in the home series against England in February 2024. His standout performance in Ranchi earned him the Player of the Match award.
He is expected to be part of India’s squad for the home Test series against the West Indies in October. Whether he plays will depend on Rishabh Pant’s fitness. India and West Indies are scheduled to play two Tests from October 2 to 14.
