“I was stunned! With the India A team, we faced off against the England Lions in a 2-day match. Late into the night, the news hit me, and I promptly dialed my father to share it. His initial question was which Indian team? Aren’t you already playing for one of them? The same one in which Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play.” remarked the 23-year-old right-handed batter and wicket-keeper, as he made his Test debut for India against England at Rajkot on 15 February 2024. In his maiden test innings, he scored 46 (104).
Born in Agra, the son of Havaldar Nem Chand, who valiantly served in the Kargil war, Dhruv Jurel’s journey into cricket took shape against the backdrop of familial sacrifice and resilience. In 2014, as Dhruv embarked on his cricketing pursuit, his father, Nem Chand, had just begun to embrace his son’s ambitions, albeit from afar, unable to accompany him due to familial responsibilities. Dhruv’s arrival at Noida’s esteemed cricket academy marked the inception of a transformative journey—one that now sees his son, Dhruv, poised to illuminate India’s cricketing horizon.
There was a time when Nem envisioned his son cracking the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam and serving the country as an officer. As a Kargil war veteran, Jurel Sr. wished for Dhruv to carry forward the family legacy, but the young lad was captivated by cricket, straying from his father’s footsteps. In a family where cricket was unexplored territory, stability in a job held significant importance.
Yet, Dhruv harbored a different dream. Early on, many noticed his talent for batting, urging his father to consider cricket seriously. Despite these encouragements, concerns about the uncertainties of a career in sports lingered.“No one in my family has played cricket. Everyone who saw him bat said, ‘the boy is good, you should put him in cricket.’ But being a father, I worried about his future too. What if cricket didn’t work out? Dhruv wasn’t excelling in studies either” recalled his father.Cricket, as it turned out, demanded financial sacrifice. Dhruv’s father reminisced about the time when they struggled to afford his first cricket gear. “I had to borrow Rs 800 because we didn’t have the money. Later, he wanted a kit bag worth Rs 6000. I said, ‘don’t play, I can’t afford it.’ But he was determined. His mother eventually pawned her only gold chain to buy his kit bag. Looking back, those moments make me smile, but one thing was evident: Dhruv was willing to work hard,” shared Jurel Sr.Today, Nem is recognized as Dhruv’s father wherever he goes. While he basks in the spotlight, he remains grounded, eagerly awaiting the day his son dons the colors of India. For a father who remembers every score and has witnessed most of Dhruv’s junior cricket matches, their conversations now revolve around food and values, a testament to their enduring bond.
2014 was indeed a pivotal year in young Dhruv Jurel’s life. A determined teenager stood at the threshold of possibilities. It was during this transformative period that he encountered Phool Chand, a revered figure in Noida’s cricketing circles. Phool Chand’s cricket academy served as the crucible where Dhruv’s raw talent would be honed into formidable skill. Under Phool Chand’s guidance, Dhruv’s journey from aspiration to accomplishment began to unfold. The mentorship provided by Phool Chand not only nurtured Dhruv’s cricketing prowess but also instilled in him the values of perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship that would shape his career trajectory. As Dhruv embarked on his quest for excellence, Phool Chand’s unwavering support and mentorship remained a constant source of inspiration, guiding him through the highs and lows of his cricketing journey.
“For a teacher, can there be a bigger day than seeing his student excel? He is the first among my students who will play Test cricket and second after pacer Shivam Mavi to play international cricket” remarked the coach, whose dedication and commitment paved the way for Dhruv’s journey, much like a skilled sculptor shaping raw clay into a masterpiece.
Dhruv initially caught the spotlight during IPL 2023, debuting for Rajasthan Royals as an ‘Impact Substitute’. Following noteworthy performances, Jurel secured a consistent place in the team and enjoyed a successful debut IPL season. As the former India U19 vice-captain, he continued to excel in the domestic circuit for his state team and represented India A with distinction. It was during the home series against the England Lions, preceding the Test series, that Jurel earned his maiden call-up to India’s Test squad.
It appears that the future of cricket in India is exceptionally promising. With the emergence of dedicated, passionate, and sincere players like Dhruv, success seems inevitable.
