The young player’s shot was unnecessary, according to Sunil Gavaskar, especially because India was in control of the game.
In the opening innings of the fifth Test match between India and England in Dharamsala, rookie wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel threw his wicket, disappointing former captain of India Sunil Gavaskar. After India lost the wicket of debutant batter Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel, who had been named player of the match in the previous game, came in to bat at number seven. Jurel holed out to Ben Duckett at long on, ending his tenure in the game after just 24 balls. Jurel looked at his bat incredulously as he made his way back to the dressing room following his ejection.
Given that India was in control of the game, Gavaskar cautioned Jurel not to take anything for granted and said that the young player’s shot was unnecessary.
“That shot will make Jurel very unhappy. That is indeed what transpired. to retrieve it from the bat’s bottom. Just now, you stepped up to bat. Just 24 deliveries have you batted. It’s evident that Ravindra Jadeja is batting opposite you. At deep, there’s a fielder. You weren’t required to make the shot. That explains why Jurel is staring at his bat with such intense self-reproach. Gavaskar stated in the commentary, “And he ought to be.”
“Never forget what transpired in Hyderabad. He is free to gaze as long as he pleases. Indeed. The curve of learning. Nothing should ever be taken for granted. Not in a cricket test match. It defies logic,” the venerable hitter continued.
In the first innings of the 4th Test in Ranchi, Jurel struck a game-winning 90 runs, for those who were unaware. Fans and experts alike, like Gavaskar, who likened him to MS Dhoni, had heaped accolades on him for his efforts.
“I think Dhruv Jurel has the potential to be the next MS Dhoni,” Gavaskar remarked during commentary on Sports 18 after observing the player’s mentality.
Gavaskar said that Jurel would make many more hundreds in the future if he bats like he did in Ranchi.
“Today he missed out on a century but make no mistake this young man will go on to score many centuries because of his presence of mind,” Gavaskar had joked.
