(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel’s maiden international call-up came out of the blue. Dhruv’s selection came as a surprise to him as he was informed by his friends that he has been picked in India’s squad for the first two Test matches of the upcoming series against England.
“My friends told me that I have been selected for the England series. I was very happy. I have performed well for India A. But I didn’t think about my selection for the senior team. I just focussed on performing well,” Dhurv said as quoted to Dainik Jagran.
Dhruv has played for India U-19 in the 2020 World Cup. He is a mainstay in India A and emerging sides. When his father got to know that he will be playing alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he was over the moon.
“When I told my dad, he was ecstatic. He asked me for which Indian team I have been selected. I said ‘the one with Rohit (Sharma) bhaiya and Virat (Kohli) bhaiya’. It was an emotional moment for the entire family.”
Dhruv is selected as the third wicket-keeper in the squad. His chances of debuting in the series are slim as KL Rahul and KS Bharat are ahead of him in the pecking order.
“I’m not concerned about others. I just want to focus on my game and keep believing.”
The 22-year-old is excited about the fact that he will be sharing the dressing room with his “heroes.”
“I really don’t know what to say. I will share the dressing room with the heroes that I have watched on television. This will be an entirely different experience. I would try to learn as much as possible.”
The Uttar Pradesh-born has scored 790 runs in 15 first-class matches at an average of 46.47.
“Test cricket is real cricket. It tests your character, your talent, your technique. I consider myself lucky that I have given an opportunity to represent my country at this level,” Dhruv stated.
The five-match series between India and England will kick off on January 25 in Hyderabad.