Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina praised wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel’s fearlessness for his stunning performance in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi.
In only his second Test, the 23-year-old hit 90 and 39* in the two innings, with India in desperate need on both occasions. In the first innings, Jurel came in with the team on 161/5 in response to England’s 353 and helped them to 307.
The teenager demonstrated his exceptional temperament again in the second innings, scoring an unbeaten 39 at 120/5 in India’s 192-run chase. His double knocks helped India take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Suresh Raina told the Times of India that he was impressed with Jurel’s efforts both in front and behind the wickets.
“I am really impressed with his wicketkeeping. He was just amazing behind the wickets. He has got that fearless attitude since he comes from an Army family. He has worked hard for this. I have seen him working so hard at the nets. I just want to wish him all the best.”
Suresh Raina
Jurel hails from an army family; his father, Nem Singh, was a former officer in the Indian army.
Following an outstanding 2022/23 Ranji season for Uttar Pradesh, the teenager scored crucial runs for India-A in recent matches against South Africa-A and England-A, earning national selection.
“Rating his knock special because the wicket was turning and he batted beautifully” – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina said Dhruv Jurel’s two centuries in the fourth Test were particularly memorable due to the difficult quality of the Ranchi pitch.
The 23-year-old dazzled numerous famous experts with an exquisite blend of front and back foot attack and defense, with many predicting him to be the next MS Dhoni.
Raina also praised captain Rohit Sharma for giving young players like Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan opportunity.
“Want to give credit to Rohit Sharma. He first gave Sarfaraz the chance and then made Jurel part of the team. Jurel was just amazing. He played a superb knock in the first innings and then in the second. I am rating his knock special because the wicket was turning and he batted beautifully. He is so calm and composed. That’s the best part of him.”
Suresh Raina
Dhruv Jurel has also performed admirably behind the wickets with the gloves, with four catches and one stumping in his two Tests. His 46 on debut in the Rajkot Test came at a critical time as India cruised to a 434-run win.
