NEW DELHI: As the fourth Test of the five-match series between India and England approaches, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel expressed his anticipation for an interaction with former India skipper MS Dhoni. With the hosts currently leading the series 2-1, the upcoming match holds significant importance for both teams.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on their social media handle, Jurel conveyed his admiration for Dhoni, reminiscing about their first encounter during IPL 2021.
"I was just watching him and I stood up and started thinking is this MS Dhoni standing in front of me. My first interaction with him was in IPL 2021 which was my first season. At that time, I was pinching myself to see whether it is a dream or not. My dream is to meet Mahi bhai, especially after the match, after an international game," Jurel said in a video posted by BCCI.
Jurel, who made his Test debut in the third Test at Rajkot, showcased promising talent with a confident innings of 46 in the first innings. "Whenever I have talked to him, I have always learnt something new from him," Jurel remarked, highlighting the value of his interactions with Dhoni.
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In addition to his Test debut, Jurel boasts an impressive track record in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, where he has excelled as a hard-hitting, lower-order finisher. With 15 First-Class matches under his belt, Jurel has scored 790 runs at an average of 46.47, showcasing his consistency and ability to make impactful contributions on the field.
Reflecting on the third Test, India's dominant performance led to a commanding 556-run second innings lead, setting the stage for a comprehensive victory. The Three Lions' pursuit of a daunting target of 557 faltered as they were bundled out for just 122 runs, succumbing to defeat by a margin of 434 runs.
1/9:Emotional debut: Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel receive Test caps
ANI
2/9:Emotional debut
Domestic batting star Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel were handed their Test caps on debut in Rajkot.ANI
3/9:Sarfaraz's long wait
Sarfaraz Khan, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, finally got his chance to break into the Indian Test side.Agencies
4/9:Jurel's impressive average
Dhruv Jurel, with an impressive batting average of almost 47, became the obvious choice for the wicketkeeper-batter's spot.PTI
5/9:Engraving their names
Sarfaraz Khan became the 311th player and Dhruv Jurel 312th player to represent India in Test cricket.ANI
6/9:Anil Kumble presents the cap
Former India captain Anil Kumble presented Sarfaraz Khan with his Test cap, expressing pride and admiration for his journey.PTI
7/9:Emotional moment with family
Sarfaraz Khan showed his India cap to his father and coach, Naushad Khan, who became overwhelmed with emotions.ANI
8/9:Dinesh Karthik's inspiring speech
Dinesh Karthik shared inspiring anecdotes and statistics while presenting Dhruv Jurel with his Test cap.ANI
9/9:Significance of Test cricket
Dinesh Karthik emphasized the importance of Test cricket and wished Dhruv Jurel success in the format.ReutersRavindra Jadeja's stellar all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, with notable contributions from Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah in securing India's resounding victory.
As anticipation builds for the fourth Test at JSCA International Stadium Complex on February 23, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await another thrilling encounter between India and England. With Jurel's excitement for his impending interaction with Dhoni adding to the anticipation, all eyes will be on the upcoming match as both teams strive for series glory.
(With inputs from ANI)
