Former Indian cricket captain Anil Kumble has weighed in on the performance of young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, lauding his impressive display in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi. Jurel showcased his batting prowess by scoring a resilient 90 in the first innings and an unbeaten 39 in the second innings to help India secure a five-wicket victory at the JSCA International Stadium.
With first-choice wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant absent, Jurel has seized the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in the Test team, earning praise from Kumble who sees potential for him to emulate the success of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni.
Jurel certainly has all the qualities to achieve the heights that MS (Dhoni) reached in his career. He has demonstrated both the temperament and technique, whether in defense or attack. His confident batting, particularly evident in the first innings where he batted aggressively and launched some massive sixes while partnering with the tailenders, deserves applause. Moreover, his wicketkeeping skills, especially against the fast bowlers, have been exceptional,” Kumble stated on Jio Cinema.
Kumble expressed confidence that Jurel’s glovework will only improve with time, considering that this was only his second Test match. He commended Jurel’s inclusion in the playing XI, replacing KS Bharat, and emphasized the selectors’ faith in the young talent despite his limited first-class experience.
It’s remarkable to witness Jurel’s performance, particularly considering his relatively limited exposure in first-class cricket. The selectors’ decision to introduce him in the last Test speaks volumes about their belief in his abilities. Jurel’s outstanding performance underscores the importance of batting depth in the squad. While it might not have been an easy decision for KS Bharat, Jurel’s inclusion has certainly added value to the team,” Kumble added.
