On Friday, January 12, BCCI announced the squad for the first two Tests of the five-match series starting from January 25. The most noticeable change in the 16-member list was the inclusion of Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel, who earned his maiden India call-up.
The 22-year-old rose to fame during his stint with the Royals in IPL 2023, where he scored 152 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 172.73. Nonetheless, Jurel has impressive first-class numbers as he averages 46.47 in the 15 matches he has played.
After selection, speaking with Dainik Jagran, Jurel opened up on the hardships and his mother’s sacrifices to see him make it big in cricket. Dhruv revealed that his mother had sold her gold chain to get him a cricket kit.
“I attended Army School, and during the holidays, I considered joining a cricket camp at Eklavya Stadium in Agra. I filled out the registration form without informing my dad. When he eventually found out, he scolded me. Despite this, he managed to borrow Rs 800 to purchase a cricket bat for me. Later, when I mentioned needing a complete cricket kit, my dad inquired about the cost, which I estimated to be around six to seven thousand rupees. He suggested I quit playing, but I was determined. I locked myself in the bathroom. In a surprising turn, my mom sold her gold chain to buy me the cricket kit.”
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