Dhruv Jurel finally got his dew in India's fourth Test match against England at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. While the wicketkeeper-batter was, fair to say, eclipsed by the more tallked about Sarfaraz Khan who had an eventful entry in Test match cricket with fifties in both innings of the Rajkot Test, Jurel showed his glimpses too with a vital 46 in the first innings and a run-out off Ben Duckett in England's second innings.
However it was in Ranchi that Jurel came to his own. India had their backs aganinst the wall when the young stumper came to the fore. Had India conceded a lead of over a 100 runs, which looked very much a possibility with the Men in Blue reeling at 177/7, in response to England's 353 in the first innings, the game could have taken a completely different turn. But Jurel ensured that India remain alive.
Dhruv Jurel-Kuldeep Yadav Add 76 Runs For Eighth Wicket In India's First Innings Of 4th Test
The youngster who received his Test cap from Dinesh Karthik ahead of the third Test, scored an impactful 90 off 149 deliveries, changing the complexion of the match and keeping India in the game. His 76-run eighth wicket stand with Kuldeep Yadav meant India trailed England by 46 runs at the end of the first innings. From there on, it was the Indian spin trio who bowled England out 145 in their second innings to set up the game for India.
On a tricky wicket though, India once again found themselves in a spot of bother in the run chase when the scoreboard showed 120/5, needing 192 to win. But Jurel once again showed that he is perhaps ready for this stage and remained unbeaten on 39 as India went on to beat England by 5 wickets in the fourth Test match and clinch the series with a match to go. It was fitting then that perhaps Jurel was adjudged the Player Of the Match ahead of the Indian spinners which kept India in the game in the first place.