Jurel On Taking His Chances In Pant’s Absence: ‘Have To Be 100 Per Cent Ready To Be Able To Deliver’ | Cricket News

Dhruv Jurel hit his maiden Test hundred (AP)

Dhruv Jurel has already demonstrated in his brief career that India’s wicket-keeping responsibilities are secure whenever Rishabh Pant is unavailable.

However, with his maiden Test century on Friday, the young player emphasised the significance of being “one hundred per cent ready” to capitalise on rare opportunities.

Jurel struck a 125-run knock against West Indies, combining with Ravindra Jadeja to add 206 runs, increasing India’s lead to 286 runs.

Despite being the second-choice after the mercurial Pant in Test cricket, Jurel once again excelled in every aspect following a brilliant opening day.

“It’s about the huge privilege even if you are not getting the chance (to play), you are (still getting to be) with the squad. How many get to be with the squad and how many (get to) play Test cricket?,” Jurel said after the day’s play.

“I am very glad that I am with the squad and if I am not playing the match, I keep working hard. I know one day I will get an opportunity and I have to be 100 per cent ready to be able to deliver,” he responded when asked about achieving a Test ton despite limited opportunities.

So how does Jurel, who has hardly put a foot wrong in the longest format and appears well-versed in Test cricket, keep himself ready for the challenge?

“(By following my) routines and disciplines, whatever I can (do). Batting (in the nets), (training in the) gym, but I have to remain disciplined. Sometimes I am not able to do that, but I try to keep myself motivated to do more,” he explained.

Seeing It To Believing It

Jurel mentioned that visualisation also helps him stay ready for action, while he doesn’t focus on milestones in a team sport.

“I do a lot of visualisation whether I am playing or not, so when I play a match, it doesn’t feel anything new. I would know that I’ve gone through this and what the feeling is like. I visualise everything, from walking in (to the middle) to taking the stance. everything. Nothing feels different. I am always prepared whether I am playing or not,” he said.

“Visualisation of scenarios, say if a left-armer is bowling then where are the fielders placed and where I can get the runs from. I try to get risk-free runs in the longer formats because I think if I keep it that way, the team will also be in a good position.

“I keep it clear to myself that there’s nothing like getting to a milestone or there is any benefit in it. You are playing to make the team win, so I play according to what that situation demands. If I have to defend for 10-15 overs, I will defend and if I have to attack I will attack,” Jurel added.

The 24-year-old admitted that keeping wickets before batting helps him understand the pitch. He doesn’t focus much on the prospect of playing solely as a specialist batter to maximize chances.

“It is not my decision to play me as a batter or a wicketkeeper. My one job is to make the runs,” he said.

“Because you get to see the wicket. It’s my habit to assess the wicket and think what shots I can play,” Jurel added.

Root The Cause

Jurel also shared the advice he received from England’s great Joe Root during their Rajasthan Royals days in the Indian Premier League, emphasising the importance of consistent effort.

“(I met him even) during the England tour. I know him since he came at Rajasthan Royals,” he said.

“Whenever I feel there is something, I go to him as to what I can do with my batting and he gives simple answers on how I can play and how I can tackle situations. He says it is difficult to remain consistent, but you have to keep doing the same things everyday and you will get the results,” Jurel added.

The wicketkeeper mentioned that the pitch is becoming better for batting and that India wanted a “healthy lead.”

“There are some turn from the patches (outside the crease) from the footmarks. There is not much turn. We spoke about how many runs we can add in the lead with minimal risk,” he said.

“We wanted a healthy lead and we are ahead by 286 runs, let’s see what the decision would be,” Jurel concluded when asked if there was a target score India wanted to reach.

(With inputs from PTI)