Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has clarified his earlier comment comparing MS Dhoni and Dhruv Jurel during the India-England Ranchi Test. In his recent statement, Gavaskar emphasized that there can only be one Dhoni.
Jurel earned the Player of the Match title for his innings of 90 and an unbeaten 39 in the fourth Test in Ranchi, contributing to India’s series-clinching victory. Gavaskar acknowledged Jurel’s impressive composure under pressure as a young wicketkeeper-batsman in only his second Test.
In the first innings of the Ranchi Test, as Jurel was guiding India through a challenging phase, Gavaskar remarked that the Uttar Pradesh keeper is ‘evolving into another MS Dhoni.’
In clarification, the esteemed Indian batsman mentioned that although there cannot be a replacement for Dhoni, Jurel has the potential for a promising future in the sport.
“No one can become MS Dhoni. There is only one MS Dhoni. But if Jurel can manage to do even some portion of the things Dhoni did then it would be great for Indian cricket,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak, while praising the young stumper.
Gavaskar expressed his viewpoint that Jurel’s display in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) will play a crucial role in deciding his inclusion in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“If he gets a chance then he will bat at No.5 or 6 only, as a finisher. We’ve seen how Dhoni did coming in to bat that number in the last 4-5 overs of the innings. The same will be expected from him,” Gavaskar elaborated.
Jurel, aged 23, plays for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL. During the 2023 season, he participated in 13 matches, accumulating 152 runs at a strike rate of 172.73, with a highest score of 34*.
“Dhruv Jurel possesses all the qualifications to reach the heights MS Dhoni achieved”- Anil Kumble
Legendary Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble believes that Dhruv Jurel has the potential to attain the same level of success that Dhoni achieved in his illustrious international career. In a recent conversation with Jio Cinema, Kumble commended the young player, stating:
“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 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.”
In Ranchi, following India’s dip to 120/5 in pursuit of 192, Jurel and Shubman Gill (52*) formed an unbeaten partnership of 72* to steer the hosts to a series-clinching victory against England.
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