'No one can take my hard work away from me': Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel’s maiden List A century — an unbeaten 160 off 101 balls against Baroda in Rajkot on Dec 29 — has come at a time when India are set to play a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand. The Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeperbatter’s form has pushed him into the selection conversation. Jurel has begun the Vijay Hazare Trophy by scoring 307 runs in three matches at an average of 153.5.




Excerpts from an interview...



Your maiden List A hundred came in a win. How special was it for you?

Winning is what matters. All 11 players work towards one goal. Every contribution counts — someone scoring 30 off 15 balls can be as valuable as someone scoring 100. Matches are won through team effort, so I’m very happy.

With no Tests scheduled for the next seven months, how will you stay ready for red-ball cricket?

I’m always excited to play red-ball cricket and am very fortunate to have played Tests for India. Test cricket has its own value. When you go abroad and people call you a Test cricketer, it feels good. Red-ball is close to my heart and brings a different kind of respect. I’m already thinking about our series in Sri Lanka in 7-8 months, how I can prepare, the sessions we get with spinners, how I can tackle spin better. These little things — the planning and visualisation — keep going on.

Your form has sparked talk of an India call-up in white-ball cricket...

I don’t set too many goals for myself. I focus on the process. Even before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when I got some time, I was batting for 4-5 hours and creating scenarios in my mind about what I can do. Whatever the result and selection may be, no one can take my hard work away from me. That’s why I work hard. It has brought me this far and will take me further.


What has it been like playing under UP captain Rinku Singh?

It has been very good. I’ve watched him since childhood. He is one of India’s best finishers. I try to learn from him. There is good energy around Rinku bhai.





Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here