Dhruv Jurel’s century and celebrates his hundred in a different style during the 1st Test Cricket Match between India and West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Friday, October 03, 2025. Photo : VIJAY SONEJI / THE HINDU.
| Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI
It is tough to be Rishabh Pant’s understudy. The burden of expectations when you do get a chance to play in place of the maverick wicketkeeper-batter can be immense.
But it is fair to say that Dhruv Jurel has performed this role with aplomb, and his first Test century (125, 210b, 15×4, 3×6), against the West Indies here on Friday, was the just reward.
Jurel made his debut in February 2024 when India was missing Pant because of his horrific car accident, and had tried – and then shunned – the likes of K.S. Bharat, Ishan Kishan and K.L. Rahul as wicketkeeping options.
However, in his second-ever Test in Ranchi against England, he made a back-to-the-wall 90 and earned the Player-of-the-Match award in India’s five-wicket win. Then, in England this summer, Jurel made crucial runs (19 and 34) in India’s famous, series-tying win at The Oval.
“I do a lot of visualisation, whether I am playing or not,” Jurel said, after the second day’s play in the opening Test here. “When I play a match, it doesn’t feel anything new. I know I’ve gone through this and what the feeling is like.
“I visualise everything, from walking in [to the middle] to taking the stance. Nothing feels different. I am always prepared. Whether I am playing or not, I try to keep myself ready.”
The 24-year-old, who is playing his sixth Test, said it was a privilege just to be with the Indian set-up. “How many get to be with the squad and how many play Test cricket? I am very happy that I am with the squad, and if I am not playing the match, I keep working hard.”
“I think you should try to control what you can control. It is not my decision to play as a batter or a wicketkeeper. My one job is to make the runs,” Jurel added.
Published – October 03, 2025 09:07 pm IST
