'Mom sold her gold chain and got me cricket kit' - Dhruv Jurel recalls early struggles following India Test call-up

In a surprising turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the lineup for the first two Tests against England, scheduled to kick off later this month. The 22-year-old Uttar Pradesh cricketer, Dhruv Jurel, has emerged as the talk of the town after his inclusion in the squad, stealing the limelight from the more familiar names.

Mohammed Shami's absence due to injury and Ishan Kishan's self-imposed break from the South Africa tour opened the door for fresh faces. Still, it was Jurel's inclusion that grabbed everyone's attention. The young cricketer showcased his prowess in the India A squad during two matches against South Africa last December, notching up impressive scores.

Jurel's journey to the national team is nothing short of inspirational. Hailing from a humble background, he recalled his early struggles.

"I used to study in Army School. During holidays I thought about joining a cricket camp at Eklavya Stadium in Agra. I filled up the form but did not tell my dad. When he came to know, he scolded me. However, he borrowed Rs 800 to buy me a cricket bat. When I told him I needed a cricket kit, dad asked me how much it would cost. I told him about Rs six to seven thousand and he told me to stop playing. But I was adamant and locked myself in the bathroom. Then my mom sold her gold chain and got me cricket kit," Dhruv Jurel told Dainik Jagran. 

Making his First-Class debut last year against Vidarbha, Jurel has proven himself in the domestic circuit, amassing 790 runs from 15 matches at an average of 46, including a century and five fifties. His recent performance of 63 runs against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy further solidified his case for national selection.

When asked about his selection, Jurel shared, "My friends told me that I got selected for Indian team. When I told them that I have been selected, they asked me 'which Indian team I got selected?' I told them Rohit bhaiya, Virat Bhaiya wala Indian team. My whole family got emotional after hearing this." 

As the Indian team prepares to face England, all eyes will be on Dhruv Jurel, eager to witness the unfolding of this promising cricketing chapter.