Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan heaped praise on Dhruv Jurel after Rajasthan Royals’ dominant 47-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, calling the wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive cameo one of the biggest turning points of the knockout clash in Mullanpur.
Rajasthan Royals posted a massive 243/8 after being asked to bat first, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stealing the limelight through a breathtaking 97 off just 29 balls. However, Irfan Pathan believes Jurel’s counterattacking knock of 54 from only 21 deliveries played an equally decisive role in helping RR maintain momentum during the crucial middle overs.
Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Pathan pointed out that Rajasthan managed only 48 runs in the final 6.1 overs once Dhruv Jurel was dismissed, highlighting how valuable the youngster’s innings truly was under pressure.
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“After Vaibhav got out, it became extremely important for Rajasthan Royals to continue the momentum. Dhruv Jurel’s innings at that stage was outstanding and incredibly crucial. If he had slowed down, RR could have found themselves in serious trouble,” Irfan Pathan explained.
Jurel’s fearless approach also helped silence critics who had questioned his strike rate in T20 cricket. While the 25-year-old has always been highly rated for his technique and temperament, many believed he consumed too many deliveries during the middle phase of innings. Against SRH, however, Dhruv Jurel answered those doubts emphatically with a stunning strike rate of 238.10.
Irfan Pathan particularly praised Jurel’s improved back-foot game and ability to dominate square of the wicket against pace bowling.
“He played brilliantly behind square and used the pull shot exceptionally well. Earlier, bowlers targeting that channel outside off stump sometimes troubled him, but this time he looked far more comfortable because he was prepared to play late on the back foot,” Irfan Pathan added.
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Dhruv Jurel has now enjoyed a highly productive IPL 2026 season, scoring 508 runs in 15 innings at an average of 39.08 and a strike rate exceeding 155. His consistency and finishing ability have become vital to Rajasthan Royals’ playoff campaign as they now prepare for a high-pressure Qualifier 2 clash against Gujarat Titans.
