Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has heaped praise on young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, comparing him to the legendary MS Dhoni. Jurel made a remarkable Test debut in the third match against England at Rajkot, scoring a valuable 46 off 104 balls. He followed it up with a match-winning performance in the fourth Test in Ranchi.
Kumble, speaking to JioCinema, lauded Jurel’s temperament and technique. “Dhruv Jurel certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career,” Kumble said. “He’s not just shown the temperament of his technique to defend but even when he’s attacking. Even in that first innings, he was very assured, he went after and then hit those big sixes.”
Kumble also praised Jurel’s glovework, particularly against pacers. “He has (Jurel) been exceptional, especially of the faster bowlers…He is only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I am sure as he starts playing more and more he’ll only get better. And it only augers well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional,” he elaborated.
Jurel’s contributions were crucial in India’s victory in the fourth Test. In the first inning, his knock of 90 runs and a 76-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav pulled India out of a difficult situation and reduced England’s lead to just 46 runs. Later, his 39* in the second innings and partnership with Shubman Gill helped India overcome the pressure of quick wickets and pull off a tense run chase of 192 runs. He earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his efforts in only his second Test.
Jurel will be in action again in the fifth and final Test to be played at Dharamshala from March 7. His performances have raised expectations, and he is seen as a potential successor to Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020.
