Wicketkeeper batsman Dhruv Jurel is eager to play for India in the fifth Test match against England in lieu of injured vice-captain Rishabh Pant because he knows that playing abroad will improve a player’s stock.
While Pant was dealing with a number of injuries, the 24-year-old Jurel kept wickets for India in the last two Test matches at Lord’s and Manchester. Now, he will have to perform that duty full-time in the series finale as the visitors attempt to level the series at 2-2.
“To overcome challenges when you go overseas is always a special thing. If you perform overseas, people will rate you high so I am very excited, just want to go out and express myself,” said Jurel in a video shared by the BCCI.
“I am very excited to play because this match is very crucial for all of us. I am very excited to do that one thing which helps the team win,” he added.
Jurel has played four Test matches so far and has performed well with the bat, scoring 202 runs at 40.40 with a fifty. He made his Test debut against the same opponents in Rajkot last year.
“A team man is one who does that one thing — whether you are playing or not — which helps the team win,” said Jurel, who made his mark in the Test arena with a five-wicket win alongside Shubman Gill over England in Ranchi.
Remembering his first appearance in this series, Jurel remarked, “I used to think about playing at Lord’s since childhood so I was just feeling the moment. The experience (of playing there was great).” “First of all, what happened with Rishabh bhaiya was very unfortunate. When I went in to keep the wickets… it’s always a dream to play at Lord’s.” “We try, whenever that opportunity comes, we do that one thing which helps the team win.”
Jurel also recalled the tips that Pant gave him.
“Rishabh bhaiya is a senior player, he told me on which line I can take the stance and about the feet movement and that is something I have been working on off the field with (T) Dilip sir (fielding coach),” he added.
