Dhruv Jurel has been picked in India's squad for the two Tests against England.
While most of the picks were on the expected lines, there was one notable inclusion in the squad that caught everyone’s attention.
Dhruv Jurel, the 22-year-old from Agra, earned his maiden Test call-up as a backup wicketkeeping option in the 16-member squad.
In an exclusive interview with Dainik Jagran, Jurel revealed that his friends informed him about his India selection.
Despite being a consistent run-scorer in domestic cricket and for India ‘A’ lately, Jurel didn’t think about his call-up to the senior team.
"My friends told me that I have been selected for the England series. I was very happy. I have performed well for India A. But I didn't think about my selection for the senior team. I just focussed on performing well," Dhurv stated.
He also opened up on his ‘emotional’ chat with his father after getting picked for the senior Indian men’s team.
“When I told my dad, he was ecstatic. He asked me for which Indian team I have been selected. I said 'the one with Rohit (Sharma) bhaiya and Virat (Kohli) bhaiya'. It was an emotional moment for the entire family.”
Dhruv Jurel featuring in the squad as a backup keeper means that either KL Rahul or KS Bharat is likely to perform the glovework in the first Test against England. However, the youngster isn’t even thinking along those lines.
"I'm not concerned about others. I just want to focus on my game and keep believing."
Jurel is looking forward to share the dressing room with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and head coach Rahul Dravid.
"I really don't know what to say. I will share the dressing room with the heroes that I have watched on television. This will be an entirely different experience. I would try to learn as much as possible," he said.
Dhruv Jurel has played 15 First-Class matches so far, amassing 790 runs at an average of 46.47 with one hundred and five half-centuries.
Many consider him a better white-ball cricketer but for Dhruv, Test cricket is the ultimate challenge.
"Test cricket is real cricket. It tests your character, your talent, your technique. I consider myself lucky that I have given an opportunity to represent my country at this level," he remarked.