Dhruv Jurel (Image credit: X) Dhruva Jurel’s maiden Leaf A century – an unbeaten 160 off 101 balls against Baroda in Rajkot on December 29 – came as India prepare to play a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand. The Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeperbatter’s form has pushed him into the selection conversation. Jurel started the Vijay Hazare Trophy by scoring 307 runs in three matches at an average of 153.5.Excerpts from the interview…
Why Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan is no longer safe for cricket | Bombay Sports Stock Exchange
Your first list of 100 won. How special was that for you?Winning matters. All 11 players are working towards one goal. Every contribution counts – someone who scores 30 off 15 balls can be as valuable as someone who scores 100. Matches are won by team effort so I’m very happy.With no Tests scheduled for the next seven months, how do you stay ready for red-ball cricket?I’m always happy to play red-ball cricket and I’m very lucky to have played Tests for India. Test cricket has its own value. When you go abroad and people call you a Test cricketer, it feels good. Red-ball is close to my heart and brings a different kind of respect. I am already thinking about our series in Sri Lanka in 7-8 months, how I can prepare, the sessions we will have with the spinners, how I can get better at spinning. These little things—planning and visualization—continue.Your form has sparked talk of an Indian call-up in white-ball cricket…I don’t set too many goals. I focus on the process. Even before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when I had some time, I would bat for 4-5 hours and create mental scenarios of what I can do. Whatever the outcome and choice, no one can take away my hard work. That’s why I work hard. It has taken me this far and will take me further.What was it like playing under the UP captain? Rinku Singh?It was very good. I have watched him since childhood. He is one of India’s best finishers. I try to learn from him. There is good energy around Rinku bhai.
