India’s greenhorn batter Dhruv Jurel played the second Test of his career against England at Ranchi, from where his idol and former Indian captain MS Dhoni took flight. Jurel, who is glittering like a jewel, returned with scores of 90 and 39* and legendary Anil Kumble feels the youngster certainly has all the credentials to get to where Dhoni reached in his glorious career.
Jurel, like Dhoni, has also impressed with his glovework behind the stumps. Furthermore, just like Dhoni, Jurel has a calm head on his shoulders. When India was on the mat at 177-7 after England posted 353 runs, Jurel scored a fine knock of 90 runs and added 76 runs with Kuldeep Yadav, who gave him great support.
Jurel’s knock helped India post 307 runs in the first innings and reduced the deficit to 46 runs. Moreover, Jurel scored an unbeaten knock of 39 runs in the second essay in the run-chase of 192 and thus he was awarded Player of the Match.
“Oh yes, there’s Rishabh Pant. We don’t know of course when he comes, comes back whenever that happens. Sooner hopefully for Rishabh. But otherwise, yes, he certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career,” Kumble said on Jio Cinema.
“But he’s shown that he’s not just shown the temperament of his technique to defence but even when he’s attacking. Even in that first innings he was very assured he went after and then hit those big sixes when he was batting with the tail and hats off even behind the stumps,” he added.
The former Indian captain hailed Jurel’s ability to tackle the fast bowlers with aplomb.
“He’s been exceptional. Especially of the faster bowlers. Spinners again took a couple of really good catches and he’s only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I’m sure as he starts playing more and more he’ll only get better. And it only augers well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional,” he added.
Meanwhile, KS Bharat was dropped after failing to grab his opportunities with the bat whereas Jurel has been outstanding in the two games he has played.
“Yeah, I mean it’s not been easy for KS Bharat. But that’s why I said the selectors, having seen him with only 15 1st class games have chosen him. Saying okay, this is the person who we believe and introduced him in that last Test. And since then he’s been outstanding and he’s played the match because the batting really I always feel and I don’t want to sort of throw a dampener on this at all because that’s not my intention,” he added.
The fifth and final Test match will be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala from March 7.
