'Mom sold her gold chain and got me first cricket kit' - Dhruv Jurel recalls early struggle days after earning maiden India Test call-up

In an unexpected development, the Indian Cricket Board unveiled the squad for the first two Tests against England, set to commence later this month. The 22-year-old cricketer from Uttar Pradesh, Dhruv Jurel, has become the centre of attention following his inclusion in the squad, overshadowing more familiar names. The name of Dhruv Jurel is nothing new for the fans who watch, India's domestic matches as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL) closely. In the recent past, the wicketkeeper batter has shown immense talent and has backed his talent with runs as well. 

After being picked up in the squad, Jurel took a stroll back to his struggle days. Jurel's journey to the national team is nothing short of inspirational.  He recalled that at a young age, he had lied to his father by claiming to attend only swimming classes at school. Upon discovering that he had also joined cricket coaching, his father, an Indian Army hawaldar, expressed displeasure with angry words. However, he soon recognized his son's passion for the sport and permitted him to pursue his dream. When Dhruv expressed a desire for a bat, his father arranged Rs 800 with the help of his friends to fulfil his son's wish.

"I used to study in Army School. During the holidays I thought about joining a cricket camp at Eklavya Stadium in Agra. I filled up the form but did not tell my dad. When he came to know, he scolded me. However, he borrowed Rs 800 to buy me a cricket bat. When I told him I needed a cricket kit, Dad asked me how much it would cost. I told him about Rs six to seven thousand and he told me to stop playing. But I was adamant and locked myself in the bathroom. Then my mom sold her gold chain and got me cricket kit," Dhruv Jurel told Dainik Jagran. 

Dhruv Jurel was picked up by Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022

Dhruv made his debut in the Ranji Trophy for Uttar Pradesh in 2022 against Vidarbha. To date, he has participated in 15 first-class matches, amassing 790 runs, including one century and five half-centuries, with his highest score being 249 runs. Dhruv has also featured in 10 List-A and 23 T20 matches.

While Rajasthan Royals (RR) acquired him for Rs 20 lakhs in the IPL 2022 mega auction, he debuted in IPL 2023. Dhruv has played 13 IPL matches, scoring 152 runs with a strike rate of 172.72, and has been retained by RR for IPL 2024. The wicketkeeper batter earned a call-up to the India A team for their tour of South Africa, courtesy of his impressive performance in first-class cricket. During one of the four-day matches, he contributed with a score of 69 and also showcased his skills by taking three catches.