Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Dhruv Jurel for performing consistently with the bat despite not being the first-choice wicketkeeper. He also appreciated Jurel’s defence against spin. Jurel scored 125 runs off 210 balls as India ended Day 2 (Friday, October 3) of the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad as well.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Chopra said, “He is doing well consistently wherever he is getting chances. It’s difficult when you are No. 2 and you get a chance only when the first-choice keeper is unavailable. In such a case, it’s difficult to maintain your form consistently. His specialty is the confidence he shows in his defense and the way he defends. Both these things are 10 out of 10 against spin,” the former India opener said.
“He plays shots in both directions against fast bowling. However, against spin, the way he opens up both his shoulders and plays the ball in front of him, keeping the bat in front of the pad, tells me he has played a lot on turning pitches. No modern-day batter defends the ball like this. If you see who has defended spin the best in this innings, that’s Dhruv Jurel,” he added.
In the same discussion, former India all-rounder turned coach Abhishek Nayar said that Dhruv Jurel has virtually ensured that he would be part of the playing XI even after Rishabh Pant is available for selection.
“It’s a great opportunity for any player. You got a chance in home conditions when Rishabh Pant got injured, and you know you have to make the most of this opportunity, because when he returns, questions will be asked about whether Dhruv Jurel would play, but after this knock, questions will be asked about where Dhruv Jurel should be played, and you will have to play him,” he said.
“He hadn’t scored too many runs in first-class cricket, and Aakash Chopra was discussing in commentary that when Ajit Agarkar selected him, it was an inspirational move because he didn’t have that many runs. However, despite that, he scored runs under pressure against England first,” Nayar concluded.
