Indian wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel showcased his astute cricketing acumen on Day 1 of the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala, executing an MS Dhoni-esque masterplan to dismiss Ollie Pope.
Jurel, known for his sharp reading of the game, predicted Pope’s intention to step out of his crease against Kuldeep Yadav’s spin. In the 26th over, Jurel exclaimed from behind the stumps, “Yeh badhega aage (he will step out).”
Kuldeep, heeding Jurel’s prediction, delivered a flighted delivery, and Pope obliged by stepping out. Jurel, with lightning-fast reflexes, completed the stumping, leaving Pope dumbstruck.
Kuldeep’s brilliance continued throughout the first session, bamboozling England’s batters. He struck twice, dismissing Ben Duckett and Pope, to leave the visitors at 100 for two at lunch.
Duckett’s mistimed hit was caught by Shubman Gill, who displayed exceptional athleticism by running backward from cover. Pope, after surviving a close DRS call, fell victim to Kuldeep’s googly, stepping out only to be stumped.
Kuldeep’s emergence as a formidable Test bowler has solidified his place alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in India’s spin attack. His ability to flight the ball and deceive batters has made him a potent weapon for the Indian team.
