Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has dismissed any talk of competition with Rishabh Pant. He said that both share the same goal of helping India succeed in Test cricket.
Speaking to JioStar, the host broadcaster, Jurel said, “There is no competition between me and Rishabh bhai. Both of us are playing for India, and whoever plays, the motive is the same: to make India win. If he plays, I am happy. If I play, I am happy. If we play together, even better. The only focus is the team.”
Jurel has performed well since his Test debut against England in February 2024. He said getting his first cap was a dream come true. “It was a surreal moment for me to make my debut for India,” he recalled. “Playing Test cricket was my childhood dream. Getting that first cap felt like I was on cloud seven. It was very special.”
Looking ahead to the Test series against South Africa, who won the World Test Championship (WTC) last June, Jurel said, “It’s going to be a very exciting battle. Both teams have strong fast-bowling attacks. Whether it’s Rabada and Marco Jansen from their side, or Bumrah bhai from ours, there’s quality all round.”
He was also confident of contributing to the team’s success.“Every time I go in to bat, I look at the situation and think about what the team needs from me at that moment, and I try to play accordingly,” Said Jurel, who scored two centuries for India A in their four-day games against South Africa A.
Jurel impressed everyone in the recent 2-0 Test series win against West Indies, where he scored 175 runs in three innings at an average of 87.50.
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