NEWS
Follow UsOver the years, Rajasthan Royals continue to be a feeder system for the Indian team, with players like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal now being joined by Dhruv Jurel. The Uttar Pradesh wicket-keeper batter has been putting up consistent performances in domestic cricket - having an average of 46.47 in 15 matches.
Playing for the Royals in the IPL 2023, Jurel amassed 152 runs at a strike rate of 172.73. That showed the selectors the way and they picked him for the India A side, where he scored two consecutive 50-plus scores. That eventually led to Jurel being a member of the senior Indian side now for the first two Tests against a visiting England team. If the A-match was an indication, he might make his debut in Hyderabad.
Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, is very pleased with the selection and applauded the batter’s work ethic.
“I’m feeling very proud and happy because one of our key motivators and performance indicators in the IPL is to produce players for India and we have produced quite a lot over the years. Jurel is the latest addition. He is a brilliant young man, a very good player and has worked hard to get where he is,” Sangakkara told Times of India.
“Dhruv’s work ethics and demeanour stand out. He came in at a very difficult position for Rajasthan Royals (last season) and scored a lot of runs. He is a match-winner in the short format, but it is a real test of his technique, character, and application to be in the Test side. I think it is up to the selectors on how they want to construct their red and white ball teams. Our job is to produce the best players so they get their opportunities in any format.”
With so many T20 leagues mushrooming around the world, there is a question mark on the health of the sport. But Sangakkara stated that the game is taking a new direction and it is important for the stakeholders to address everyone’s issues.
“That (central contracts) could be a great possibility and the ICC and home boards will have to make some tough decisions on how we will keep cricket relevant. If you are not getting spectators to stadiums, the sport is in trouble. The game is healthy and on the cusp of going in a new direction. It is about making sure it addresses the needs of all stakeholders, the public and the players,” the former Sri Lanka skipper added.
