Dhruv Jurel Reflects on India A Century and Test Journey: "How Many People Get This Opportunity?"

Dhruv Jurel Reflects on India A Century and Test Journey: "How Many People Get This Opportunity?"

Dhruv Jurel, now a familiar face in India's Test squad, showcased his growing maturity and team-first mindset after scoring his second first-class century in the ongoing unofficial Test series between India A and Australia A. His 140-run knock in Lucknow was not only a significant personal milestone but also a statement of his evolving approach to the game.

Despite being known more for his grit and utility than big scores, the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Agra emphasized that personal milestones have taken a back seat in his career progression.

"Honestly, earlier it did matter to me whether my score was 100 or 150. But now I understand that the team's victory is more important," Jurel said after the first four-day match ended in a draw. “In first-class cricket, I have seven-eight scores in the 90s which could have been centuries. One of them was in the Ranchi Test [against England in February 2024], where I became Player of the Match and the team won. Cricket is a team game, and we play so that the team wins.”

Jurel’s recent 140 off 197 balls in Lucknow was only his second century in first-class cricket—the first being a massive 249 against Nagaland in December 2022. But his impact has been felt far beyond statistics, especially in the red-ball format. His gritty 90 in Ranchi during just his second Test was pivotal in India’s five-wicket win over England.

Jurel’s rise through the ranks has been swift. After entering the India A setup in December 2023 on the South Africa tour, he quickly cemented his place with consistent performances. A 69-run innings in Benoni helped him break into the senior Test squad for the England series at home, leading to his debut in Rajkot just weeks later.

So far, Jurel has played five Tests—mostly in the absence of Rishabh Pant—scoring 255 runs with a healthy average and registering 11 dismissals behind the stumps. Since his Test debut, his overall first-class batting average has improved from 46 to over 54, with crucial knocks for India A and in domestic tournaments like the Irani Cup.

“Staying with or around the [India] team definitely gives you confidence,” Jurel said. “I consider myself very lucky and privileged that I got the chance to play Tests for India and to be with the team. Even if you are not playing, when seniors are around, you learn so many things from them. In a country of billions, how many people get this opportunity?”

Jurel’s grounded perspective is shaped by his humble beginnings in Agra. “There wasn’t even a proper wicket where I grew up. I practiced on a cement wicket. So people there should feel that no matter where you come from, you can still make it, as long as you work hard with a true heart.”

With India set to begin their home Test season next month with two-match series each against West Indies and South Africa, Jurel is expected to be in the squad. Whether he plays may depend on Pant’s return to full fitness.

For now, though, Jurel is focusing only on the immediate task ahead. “I take it one match at a time, and don't think too far ahead. The more you think, the more pressure you put on yourself,” he said. “Right now, I played a match today, and three days later, the next match [against Australia A] is there. So, I am only thinking about the next match, and only after that will I look further.”

Key Stats

  • First-class centuries: 2

  • Test matches: 5

  • Test runs: 255

  • Test dismissals: 11

  • Notable innings: 90 vs England, Ranchi Test (Feb 2024)

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