Dhruv ‘Tara’: Rising star in India's Test constellation earns high praise
India wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel made a significant impression on the cricket community, earning high praise for his stellar performance in Ranchi.
Dhruv Jurel was adjudged Player of the Match in the fourth Test against England for his match-winning knocks of 90 and 39* to go with his impressive glove work behind the stumps at the JSCA International Stadium.
In his debut Test in Rajkot, Jurel made a composed 46 in India’s first innings, and did not get to bat on the second outing. However, it was during his second appearance in Ranchi that Jurel garnered high praise from the cricketing fraternity.
Thank you Rohit bhaiya, Rahul sir for believing in this boy 🙏🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/pBlojvB10p
— Dhruv Jurel (@dhruvjurel21) February 26, 2024
He walked in to bat in a tricky situation when India were at 161/5, with a first-innings deficit of 192. The conditions were favouring the spinners well but Jurel soldiered the challenge with a scintillating knock.
Although he fell 10 runs short of what would have been his maiden Test hundred, his innings of 90 brought India back into the game. He followed that up with an unbeaten 39 in the fourth innings, sharing an unbroken 72-run stand with Shubman Gill on Day 4, guiding India to a series-clinching victory.
Reacting to his match-winning contributions, former cricketers and pundits of the game hailed him as India's latest ‘gem’.
Dhruv Jurel is some player, India have found a gem. #temperament #INDvENG
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) February 26, 2024
What a gem Dhruv Jurel is. Love his temperament. He has grown so much in two games.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2024
He also earned praise for his calmness under pressure, and the maturity with which he performed in both the innings.
In a series-defining Test, Dhruv Jurel’s standout display shone brightly. Admirable composure showcased in both innings. His calmness was shouting “ I can do this without much sweat” #INDvENG
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 26, 2024
4th innings chases are always difficult and Shubman Gill showed exemplary class. Any amount of praise is too less for Dhruv Jurel. Maturity and temparement beyond his age and experience. Must have a lot to do with the upbringing and sacrifices of his parents and it has manifested… pic.twitter.com/dP3Xni4R5f
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 26, 2024
That’s quite an impressive series win for India’s young brigade. Key contributions now from the impressive Dhruv Jurel 🙌🙌🙌. Around the cricketing landscape we are witnessing some really talented young players popping up. Future of the game is in good hands.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 26, 2024
A win to relish and cherish. Wonderful win , great composure shown by Shubman Gill but Dhruv Jurel was simply outstanding in a series winning effort. Something very nice about him in his calmness and his temperament .
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 26, 2024
Top win this and a great team effort. pic.twitter.com/e5XOO5JM0a
Jurel the new jewel in India’s prized collection of Test cricketers was the hero of the Ranchi Test, however the contributions of other players also earned a well-deserved praise.
The score is 3-won! 😉
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 26, 2024
India once again came back from a pressure situation and fought back to win the match. It shows the character and the mental strength of our players.
A great first spell in Test cricket for Akashdeep. @dhruvjurel21 was terrific at reading the length in… pic.twitter.com/DgaFoqMiTa
Another fantastic win for Team India, series done and dusted! So many architects of this triumph though the hero was young Dhruv Jurel. Shubman was brilliant in a tense chase while the experienced hands made their presence felt too at crucial stages! Terrific way for Akash Deep… pic.twitter.com/mjcFH4bmiE
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 26, 2024
With the series-sealing win in Rachin, India strengthened their position in the World Test Championship standings. The fifth and final Test of the series will be played in Dharamsala from 7 to 11 March.