Ranchi: India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel said on Sunday he was determined to win the series against England after his defiant fourth Test innings of 90 was widely praised.
Jurel moved from his overnight 30 to raise his first Test half-century, in only his second Test, as part of a key partnership of 76 with Kuldeep Yadav to turn the match on its head.
Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said during commentary that “watching the presence-of-mind of Dhruv Jurel makes me think he’s the next MS Dhoni in the making.”
Fine target
India recovered from 177-7 to post 307 and then dismissed England for 145 to set themselves a target of 192 for victory to clinch the five-match series, which they lead 2-1.
“Obviously, it is a good feeling to hear a legend like Sunil Gavaskar talk about me,” 23-year-old Jurel told reporters.
“The mood was great, there were no specific instructions — just to go and play ... and the longer I play, the better it is.”
England spinner Tom Hartley denied Jurel a century but the young Indian said he was focused on the series and not his own score.
“I am not worried too much about the century, this is my debut series,” Jurel said.
“I am desperate to lift the trophy in my hands, to play Test cricket was one big dream for me.”
Jurel’s mother reportedly sold off her jewellery to pay for his first kit bag and he celebrated his fifty with a salute to his father, a former soldier.
