Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel received his first India call-up for the initial two Tests in the ongoing five-match series against England. Jurel shared insights into advice he received from Dhoni last year, noting that the former India captain encouraged him to keep things straightforward and concentrate on watching the ball.
He also conveyed that the skipper of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recommended eliminating any self-doubt. During an interview with Jio Cinema, Jurel expressed:
“I have always been the biggest fan of MS Dhoni. Last year, I got a chance to speak to him and I asked him, ‘What is your mindset when you are going inside?’. He simply said, ‘Just watch the ball and play. Don’t think about anything. Whatever pressure is coming, it’s coming from outside.”
“You just have to visualise how you are going to play a bowler. Just let it be, get your preparation done, and just watch the ball. You have already done so much, that’s why you are here, just don’t doubt yourself, go out and play, and express yourself. Don’t worry about the result, focus on the process.”
Dhruv Jurel did not feature in India’s playing XI in the Test series opener against England in Hyderabad, with KS Bharat being chosen over him for the role of keeper-batsman. Unfortunately, the hosts experienced a 28-run loss, falling short in their pursuit of a 231-run target in the fourth innings.
“I was literally in shock” -Dhruv Jurel discusses his first call-up to the Indian national team
Discussing his inclusion in the Team India, Dhruv Jurel mentioned that he was taken by surprise, not anticipating his name to be part of the squad for the England series. He expressed his shock upon learning about being selected for the first two Tests.
Reflecting on how he learned about his debut call-up, Jurel mentioned:
“We were having practice that day and it ended late in the evening. So, I was just going to sleep, and I casually opened BCCI TV and saw my name in the announced squad.”
”I was literally in shock. Every kid playing cricket dreams of playing for the Indian national team. While seeing my name, I thought that I am living a dream.”
Dhruv Jurel conveyed his enthusiasm about the potential opportunity to face his former Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammate and ex-England captain Joe Root. Indicating that he would be thrilled to make his debut against a formidable team like England, he stated:
“I am looking forward to play against Joe Root because he was with us last year in Rajasthan Royals. If I get a chance to debut, the biggest thing is I am playing against England. Since childhood, you dream of playing international cricket, especially against a big side.”
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is set to host the second Test between India and England from February 2 to 6.
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