Dhruv Jurel is a young and talented Indian cricketer who plays as a wicketkeeper-batter. He has gained recognition for his performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Table of Contents
Key Details About Dhruv Jurel:
- Age: 23 years old (born 21 January 2001)
- IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR) (bought for ₹20 lakh in 2022, retained for ₹30 lakh in 2023)
- Domestic Team: Uttar Pradesh (UP)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter (middle/lower order)
Career Highlights:
IPL Career (Rajasthan Royals):
- Debut: 2023 season
- Notable Performances:
- Played crucial cameos as a finisher.
- Known for his composure under pressure.
- 2024 IPL Season: Continued as a backup keeper to Sanju Samson but impressed with his hitting ability.
Domestic & India A Career:
- First-Class (Ranji Trophy): Consistent performer for Uttar Pradesh.
- India A: Represented India A in 2023-24, scoring a rapid 69 vs England Lions.
International Career (India):
- Test Debut: February 2024 vs England (3rd Test, Rajkot)
- Scored a crucial 46 in his debut innings.
- Followed it up with a maiden Test fifty (90 runs) in the 4th Test at Ranchi, playing a match-saving knock.
- T20I Debut: Yet to make his debut (in contention for future selections).
Playing Style:
- Aggressive batter with clean striking.
- Reliable wicketkeeper with quick reflexes.
- Known for his maturity under pressure, earning praise from senior players like Rahul Dravid.
Future Prospects:
- Seen as a potential long-term replacement for Wriddhiman Saha & KS Bharat in Tests.
- Could be a future finisher in T20Is for India.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Dhruv Jurel’s recent performances and stats across formats:
🏏 International Career (India)
Test Matches
- Debut: vs England, 3rd Test (Rajkot, 2024)
- Matches: 3 | Runs: 190 | Avg: 63.33 | HS: 90 | 50s: 1
- Key Performances:
- 90 (149 balls) in 4th Test (Ranchi) – Saved India from collapse, named Player of the Match.
- 46 (104 balls) on debut (Rajkot) – Showed grit against spin.
- 39 (77 balls)* in 5th Test (Dharamsala) – Helped India seal series 4-1.
Wicketkeeping:
- Catches: 8 | Stumpings: 1
🔥 IPL Career (Rajasthan Royals)
- Years: 2023–2024
- Matches: 23 | Runs: 344 | Avg: 22.93 | SR: 148.27 | HS: 52*
- 2024 Season:
- 204 runs in 12 innings (SR 150+)
- Played key cameos as a finisher (e.g., 20*(9) vs MI, 23*(12) vs DC).
- 2023 Season:
- Scored 152 runs (SR 172+) in limited chances.
🏟 Domestic Cricket (First-Class/List A/T20)
First-Class (Ranji Trophy)
- Matches: 15 | Runs: 790 | Avg: 46.47 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 5
- Best: 249 (vs Nagaland, 2022-23) – Showed his big-scoring ability.
List A (Vijay Hazare Trophy)
- Matches: 19 | Runs: 588 | Avg: 39.20 | SR: 98.32
T20s (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy)
- Matches: 22 | Runs: 370 | SR: 137+
🎯 Recent Highlights (2024)
- Test Series vs England (2024):
- Player of the Match in Ranchi Test (90 & 39*).
- Praised for his temperament against spin (Ashwin called him a “future star“).
- IPL 2024:
- Played as impact player for RR, often accelerating in death overs.
- India A (2023-24):
- Scored 69 vs England Lions, 82 vs SA-A.
📊 Stats Summary (All Formats)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | HS | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 190 | 63.33 | 59.18 | 90 | 1/0 |
| IPL | 23 | 344 | 22.93 | 148.27 | 52* | 1/0 |
| FC | 15 | 790 | 46.47 | – | 249 | 5/1 |
| List A | 19 | 588 | 39.20 | 98.32 | 85 | 4/0 |
| T20s | 22 | 370 | 22.18 | 137.03 | 54* | 1/0 |
🔮 Future Prospects
- Test Cricket: Frontrunner to replace KS Bharat as India’s backup keeper after Pant’s return.
- T20s: Could debut for India in 2024-25 as a finisher.
- IPL: Expected to get a bigger contract in 2025 auctions.
FAQs
What is Dhruv Jurel’s highest score in Test cricket?
Jurel’s highest Test score is 90, achieved in his second Test match against England in Ranchi (2024). His gritty knock helped India secure a series win, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Will Dhruv Jurel replace Rishabh Pant in the Indian team?
While Rishabh Pant remains India’s first-choice keeper in Tests and T20Is, Jurel’s composure under pressure makes him a strong backup option. His performances have put him ahead of KS Bharat in the pecking order, and he could be a long-term successor if he maintains his form.
Conclusion: Dhruv Jurel – India’s Future Wicketkeeping Star
Dhruv Jurel has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most exciting young cricketers. From his IPL cameos for Rajasthan Royals to his match-saving Test debut against England, he has shown maturity beyond his years. With a First-Class average of 46+, explosive batting in T20s, and sharp wicketkeeping skills, Jurel is poised for a long international career.
While he faces competition from Pant and KL Rahul, his technique against spin and calmness in crunch moments make him a strong contender for India’s wicketkeeping future. If he continues his rise, we could see him as a regular in all formats by 2025-26.
🔥 Follow his journey closely – this is just the beginning!