Despite being overlooked for the 2026 T20 World Cup, young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has expressed immense pride in his identity as a Test cricketer. The 24-year-old, currently lighting up the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is already setting his sights on India's next long-format assignment: a Test series in Sri Lanka scheduled for August 2026.
The Pride of the White Jersey
In a recent interview, Jurel highlighted the unique respect that comes with playing Test cricket. "I'm always excited to play red-ball cricket and am very fortunate to have played Tests for India," Jurel told the Times of India. He elaborated on the special feeling of international recognition, stating, "Test cricket has its own value. When you go abroad and people call you a Test cricketer, it feels good."
This sentiment comes after a challenging home series against South Africa, where Jurel was tried as a specialist batter. The experiment yielded modest returns with scores of 14, 13, 0, and 2, as India surprisingly lost the series 2-0. However, this hasn't dimmed his passion for the game's traditional format.
Forward Planning: The Sri Lanka Challenge
Jurel's focus is firmly on the future, with meticulous preparation already underway in his mind. "I'm already thinking about our series in Sri Lanka in 7-8 months," he revealed. His thought process involves strategic visualisation, a key tool for modern athletes.
"How I can prepare, the sessions we get with spinners, how I can tackle spin better. These little things — the planning and visualisation — keep going on," Jurel added, underscoring his proactive approach to improving his game against spin, a crucial skill for the subcontinental conditions awaiting in Sri Lanka.
Consistent Run-Scoring in Domestic Circuit
Jurel's words are backed by compelling form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Representing Uttar Pradesh, he has been a top performer in the tournament's early stages.
His remarkable consistency is highlighted by the following statistics in the Vijay Hazare Trophy so far:
- Runs: 307 in three innings
- Innings Breakdown: One century and two half-centuries
- Strike Rate: An astonishing 140.18
This blistering form includes a commanding knock of 160 against Baroda, which helped UP continue their winning momentum.
Jurel's first-class pedigree is well-established. In 15 Test innings for India, he has scored 459 runs at an average of 35.30, which includes a maiden century and a fifty. His hundred came during the series against the West Indies, preceding the South Africa tour. That innings was part of a prolific phase where he smashed four hundreds in eight first-class innings, showcasing his appetite for big scores.
While the limited-overs door remains temporarily shut, Dhruv Jurel is channeling all his energy into cementing his place in the Indian Test side. His reverence for the white jersey and his forward-thinking preparation for the Sri Lanka tour paint the picture of a dedicated cricketer focused on the long game.
