Younger Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel performed a panoramic knock at simply the suitable time to place his identify in severe rivalry forward of the upcoming three-match ODI sequence in opposition to New Zealand.
The 23-year-old performed a career-defining innings for Uttar Pradesh in opposition to Baroda in Rajkot, days earlier than the Ajit Agarkar-led choice committee was scheduled to fulfill within the first week of January 2026 to finalize the ODI squad for the New Zealand sequence.
Additionally Learn: Dhruv Jhuler, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan Circle, Rishabh Pant warns Ajit Agarkar for VHT heroics as ODI spot
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Dhruv Jurel took it to a different degree as he smashed his first Record A century and completed unbeaten on 160 off simply 101 balls. The innings instantly attracted consideration and put contemporary strain on the selectors who had been anticipated to finalize the group.
Dhruv Jhurel on Rishabh Pant ODI match: ‘My focus is on efficiency’
Whereas India are anticipated to stay with KL Rahul as their first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman, the larger query is about their backup choices. Till now, the dialogue has largely revolved round Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, though Dhruv Jhuler has been a part of India’s ODI squad this yr.
Nevertheless, Jurrell’s sensational look caught everybody’s consideration and he lastly broke his silence about his ‘combat’ with Rishabh Pant. “It doesn’t matter what the consequence or the choice, nobody can take away my efforts. That is why I work laborious. It has taken me this far and can proceed to take me additional,” Jurrell stated, in keeping with the Occasions of India.
Dhruv Jurel’s grounding take: “It is about what you possibly can management.”
Amidst the thrill, the 23-year-old Uttar Pradesh batsman has remained surprisingly calm. Jurrell’s method has targeted on preparation and lengthy batting classes, reasonably than chasing choice outcomes which might be out of his management.
Jurel additional added, “I do not set too many targets for myself. I give attention to the method. Even earlier than the Vijay Hazare Trophy, once I had time, I had it. I batted for 4 to 5 hours and had a state of affairs in my thoughts of what I may do.”
Additionally Learn: Gautam Gambhir brings an finish to Rishabh Pant’s ODI profession; Ishan Kishan sealed as everlasting substitute
Alternative headache: Pant’s comeback vs. Ishan and Jurel’s shiny crimson kind
Rishabh Pant, who returned to the ODI set-up after a protracted break on account of damage, has solely performed one match, the tour to Sri Lanka in July 2024. He was included within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad and the latest ODI sequence in opposition to South Africa at residence, however didn’t get a possibility to play.
Kishan, however, is in nice kind with the bat. His good efficiency within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him a late call-up to the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Jharkhand star continued his good kind within the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, sparking talks of a return to the ODI group.
Even Jurel has now scored a giant hundred in opposition to Baroda within the match. The wicketkeeper has already scored 307 runs in simply three matches within the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at a powerful common of 153.50. He has already smashed two half-centuries and a century and is well-positioned to keep up his ODI set-up.
