Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has dismissed the talks of competition between him and senior gloveman Rishabh Pant, citing that their sole focus is on contributing to India's success in Tests.

Jurel impressed one and all with his performances in India's 2-0 Test series win over the West Indies last month, including scoring a maiden Test century in Ahmedabad.

However, with Pant returning for the upcoming series against South Africa after recovering from a foot fracture, the Indian team management is now considering the option of accommodating both keepers in the playing XI.

"There is no competition between me and Rishabh bhai. Both of us are playing for India, and whoever plays, the motive is the same: to make India win. If he plays, I am happy. If I play, I am happy. If we play together, even better. The only focus is the team," said Jurel on JioStar.

Jurel's stocks are on the rise ever since making his Test debut against England in February 2024. "It was a surreal moment for me to make my debut for India. Playing Test cricket was my childhood dream. Getting that first cap felt like I was on cloud seven. It was very special," he recalled.

Jurel has also strengthened selection claims for the Proteas series with his prolific run in the recent unofficial Test for India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru, where he slammed centuries in both innings (132* and 127*).

Talking about the impending challenge against the reigning World Test Championship, Jurel said, "It's going to be a very exciting battle. Both teams have strong fast-bowling attacks. Whether it's Rabada and Marco Jansen from their side, or Bumrah bhai from ours, there's quality all around.”

“At the end of the day, if you want to win a match, you have to step up against good teams. South Africa are World Test Champions, so it's going to be a good challenge. I'm looking forward to it."

Jurel concluded by discussing his approach and mindset heading into the series. "I am very confident that I'll be able to contribute to the team. As a cricketer, the best feeling is when you come back to your room after the match and feel like you've done something for your team and that helped the team win.”

“Every time I go in to bat, I look at the situation and think about what the team needs from me at that moment, and I try to play accordingly."

Dhruv Jurel has played 7 Tests so far, scoring 430 runs at an average of 47.77 with one hundred and a half-century to his name.

(With IANS Inputs)