NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Anil Kumble has expressed his confidence in young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, stating that the talented cricketer possesses the potential to achieve the heights of legendary skipper and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni in his career.
Jurel, who made his debut during the third Test at Rajkot, showcased his capabilities with a valuable knock of 46 and continued to impress in subsequent matches.
Speaking to JioCinema, Kumble emphasized Jurel's exceptional temperament in both defensive and attacking aspects of his game.
"Dhruv Jurel certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career. He's not just shown the temperament of his technique to defend but even when he's attacking. Even in that first innings, he was very assured, he went after and then hit those big sixes," Kumble remarked, highlighting Jurel's adaptability and composure under pressure.
Kumble lauded Jurel's glovework, particularly against pacers, and expressed optimism about the youngster's upward trajectory in the sport.
"He has (Jurel) been exceptional, especially against the faster bowlers...He is only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I am sure as he starts playing more and more he'll only get better. And it only augurs well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional," Kumble added, foreseeing a promising future for the young talent.
1/10:India vs England: Memorable Test series for five debutants
2/10:Dhruv Jurel
<p>Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel marked his debut in Rajkot's third Test with a first-innings 46 to give a glimpse of his promise. </p>
3/10:Match-winner
<p>Jurel rescued India from trouble twice in the fourth Test in Ranchi with 90 in the first innings to guide his side from 177-7 to 307 and then a match-winning 39 not out. </p>AP
4/10:Sarfaraz Khan
<p>Sarfaraz Khan also made his debut in Rajkot and immediately repaid the selectors by cracking 62 off 66 balls in the first innings before being run out. </p>
5/10:Fifties in debut innings
<p>Sarfaraz remained unbeaten on 68 off 72 balls in the second to help set up India's declaration as they won by a massive 434 runs. </p>AP
6/10:Akash Deep
<p>Fast bowler Akash Deep made an instant impact with the new ball on debut in the fourth Test, despite shouldering the burden of replacing Jasprit Bumrah who was rested. </p>
7/10:3-wicket burst
<p>Akash Deep ripped through the England top order with Ben Duckett caught behind and Ollie Pope trapped lbw second ball and smashed Zak Crawley's stumps. </p>Getty Images
8/10:Tom Hartley
<p>24-year-old left-armer Tom Hartley marked his debut in the 1st Test in Hyderabad with nine wickets in a match-winning display. </p>Getty Images
9/10:Hyderabad Test
<p>Hartley spun his team to victory with figures of 7-62 and his 20 wickets in four matches are more than any other bowler and he has also contributed 159 useful runs down the order. </p>PTI
10/10:Shoaib Bashir
<p>Shoaib Bashir, who has Pakistani heritage, missed the first Test due to a visa delay but was then thrown straight in for his debut in the second despite having played only six first class matches. </p>Getty ImagesJurel's pivotal contributions in India's recent Test victories underscored his significance to the team's success. His resilient knock of 90 runs in the first innings of the fourth Test against England, coupled with crucial partnerships, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.
Additionally, his composed innings in the second innings, along with a partnership with Shubman Gill, facilitated India's tense run chase.
Jurel's recognition as the 'Player of the Match' in only his second Test further exemplifies his potential impact on the team's fortunes.
As Jurel prepares for the upcoming fifth and final Test in Dharamshala, his consistent performances and burgeoning talent continue to garner attention, with Kumble's endorsement further solidifying his status as a promising prospect in Indian cricket.
(With inputs from ANI)
