Cricket

Rishabh Pant's return to Test cricket after a two-year hiatus is a testament to his resilience and determination. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who last played a Test match against Bangladesh in 2022, is set to make his comeback in the upcoming India-Bangladesh Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Pant's journey back to the cricket field has been remarkable. In December 2022, he survived a horrific car accident that left him with multiple injuries. Despite the adversity, he has worked tirelessly to regain his fitness and form.In the interim, Dhruv Jurel has shown promise as a wicketkeeper-batsman, particularly during the home series against England. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of Pant's presence in the team."We all know how destructive he can be (as a batter) and what he can do in Test cricket. Obviously, it gives him the freedom to go out there and express himself. He has got runs everywhere around the world," Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet.Pant recently proved his readiness for Test cricket by performing well in the Duleep Trophy for India B. In that match, he scored a swift 61 off 47 balls and excelled as a wicketkeeper, taking seven catches.Assessing his wicketkeeping skills, Gambhir noted, "Not only with his batting, he has been excellent behind the stumps as well. Probably his batting overshadows his keeping many times."Ricky Ponting, who coached Pant at Delhi Capitals, praised his enthusiasm and competitive spirit. "He's an infectious character to have around the group. He loves his cricket. He's a winner. He doesn't just play to make a few runs and be out there for the fun of it," Ponting told Sky Sports.Pant's return to the Test arena is highly anticipated, and his performance will be closely watched as India take on Bangladesh. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be eager to prove that he is still one of the most destructive batsmen in the world and that he can be a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Team India, recently shared his experience of facing sledging from England's Joe Root during the Ranchi Test earlier this year. Jurel, who made his Test debut in the series, recalled the incident that occurred when he was batting cautiously on 30 not out."I couldn't sleep that night," Jurel said. "I was thinking about how I could get my half-century, but I ended up getting around 36 before they took the new ball."The next morning, Jurel faced James Anderson, who immediately began sledging him. "He was all aggressive and was continuously sledging," Jurel said. "I didn't understand half of those words because of the British accent."To Jurel's surprise, his former Rajasthan Royals teammate, Joe Root, also joined in the mind games. "I asked him, 'Why are you sledging me?'" Jurel said. "He replied, 'We are all playing for our country now.'"Despite the sledging, Jurel remained focused and went on to score 90 runs in the first innings, followed by a crucial 39 not out in the second. His contributions helped India beat England by five wickets, with Jurel earning the man of the match award.Jurel's performance in the Ranchi Test showcased his resilience and determination. Despite the pressure of making his Test debut and facing sledging from experienced opponents, he remained composed and played a key role in India's victory.The 24-year-old has since been named in India's 16-man squad for the upcoming 1st Test against Bangladesh. His inclusion is a testament to his talent and the potential he holds for the future of Indian cricket.

India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh has been announced, featuring the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and the maiden call-up for young pacer Yash Dayal.Pant, who suffered a horrific car accident in December 2022, will make his Test comeback in the series opener in Chennai on September 19. His inclusion is a significant boost for India, as he is one of the team's most explosive and dynamic players.Another notable addition to the squad is 23-year-old Dhruv Jurel, who impressed on his Test debut against England in January. Jurel scored 190 runs in three matches, including a knock of 90, and has been rewarded with a place in the squad for the Bangladesh series.With Pant and KL Rahul also in the squad, Jurel will be the third wicketkeeper option for India. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes that India could potentially field all three wicketkeepers in their XI."Your XI, Yashasvi and Rohit to open. Shubman at No. 3, Virat Kohli at No. 4. KL Rahul at No. 5. Rishabh Pant at No. 6. Then maybe you can play another batter. 8 and 9 you have Jadeja and Ashwin. And then No. 10 and No. 11, you have two seamers," Dasgupta told India Today."You can think of someone like Sarfaraz for the middle-order. Even for that matter... Dhruv Jurel batted beautifully. Yeah, I won't be surprised if Rishabh, Dhruv and KL all three of them play. The other thing you have to keep in mind is the Australia series. You can also look at other options, but the way Dhruv batted, his technique and composure, I think he is more adept to batting in Australia than some of the other newcomers," he added.India will be looking to start their Test series against Bangladesh on a positive note, as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in November.

Dhruv Jurel Matches Dhoni's Record, Shines Behind Stumps in Duleep TrophyYoung Indian wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by equaling a 20-year-old record held by none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. During the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru, Jurel displayed exceptional glovework, taking seven catches in an innings.This remarkable feat matches the record set by Dhoni in the 2004/05 season while playing for the East Zone against the Central Zone. Jurel, 23, demonstrated exceptional reflexes and anticipation behind the stumps, showcasing his potential as a future star in Indian cricket.Despite his heroics behind the stumps, India A suffered a disappointing 76-run defeat. Chasing a target of 275, they were bowled out for 198. KL Rahul top-scored with a patient 51, but lacked support from his teammates. India B's disciplined bowling attack, led by Yash Dayal (3/50), Mukesh Kumar (2/50), and Navdeep Saini (2/41), proved too strong for India A.Jurel's record-equalling performance came as a consolation amidst the team's defeat. It highlights his exceptional talent and potential as a wicketkeeper. His ability to take seven catches in an innings demonstrates his sharp reflexes, quick decision-making, and anticipation skills.The Duleep Trophy has long been a platform for emerging players to showcase their abilities, and Jurel's performance stands out as a significant moment in this tournament's history. His achievement serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the bright future that lies ahead for him in Indian cricket.

Dhruv Jurel, the young wicketkeeper-batter who made his India debut under Rohit Sharma's leadership, has praised the Indian skipper's approachable and relaxed demeanor. In an interview with Sports Tak, Jurel described Rohit as a "very chill" captain who makes it easy for junior players to feel comfortable in the team."To be honest, he is very chill. When you talk to him, it doesn't feel like he is a senior and you are a junior. He always talks very casually," Jurel said.The 23-year-old, who has represented India in three Tests and two T20Is so far, also revealed that Rohit goes out of his way to ensure that young players feel comfortable in the team."He always said, 'If you need any help just come over, I don't have any problem.' He makes you feel comfortable. When my name came up for Test cricket, Rohit bhaiya was the captain, so I spoke to him. It felt very good. Like everything is normal," Jurel added.Jurel's comments provide a glimpse into the team environment under Rohit Sharma's leadership, where the captain's down-to-earth nature and open communication style seem to be fostering a supportive atmosphere for young talents like him.Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy of the Indian team in all formats in 2021, has been praised for his leadership skills and ability to connect with players. Under his leadership, India has won several major tournaments, including the Asia Cup in 2022 and the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.Jurel's praise for Rohit Sharma is a testament to the Indian skipper's ability to create a positive and supportive environment for his players. This is essential for the development of young players and the overall success of the team.

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Indian cricket, showcased his exceptional skills as a wicket-keeper batsman during India's second T20I against Zimbabwe. On the auspicious occasion of MS Dhoni's 43rd birthday, Jurel executed a brilliant run-out that would have made the legendary wicket-keeper proud.After India posted a formidable 234 runs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's swashbuckling century, Zimbabwe's chase faltered at 76/6. In the 12th over, Jurel seized his moment. Wellington Masakadza attempted a quick single, but Jurel's lightning-fast reflexes and accurate throw caught him short of the crease.The run-out was a testament to Jurel's exceptional fielding abilities and quick thinking. It was a moment that echoed the brilliance of MS Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keeper batsmen of all time.Jurel, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is making his T20I debut on the tour to Zimbabwe. His impressive performances have come at a time when India is transitioning to a younger team, following the retirement of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.Earlier this year, Jurel made his mark in Test cricket, playing the final three Tests in England's tour of India. He impressed with his batting and wicket-keeping skills, winning the Player of the Match award in the fourth Test.While Rishabh Pant remains India's undisputed first-choice wicket-keeper batsman, Jurel's performances are putting him in contention for a regular spot in the team. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the Indian side.Jurel's run-out on Dhoni's birthday was a fitting tribute to the legendary cricketer. It showcased the young wicket-keeper's potential and his determination to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

In the high-stakes Eliminator match of IPL 2024, a controversial dismissal sparked debate among cricket experts and fans alike. After the contentious lbw call against Dinesh Karthik, another incident involving Cameron Green and Dhruv Jurel raised questions about the interpretation of the run-out rule.Green, fielding at deep mid-wicket, collected a throw from Virat Kohli and attempted to run out Jurel. However, replays showed that Green may not have had complete control of the ball when he broke the stumps. The TV umpire, Anil Chaudhary, ruled Jurel out, citing Law 29.2.1.5, which states that a run out occurs if "the ball is held in the hand or hands so used [to break the stumps], or in the hand of the arm so used."The decision divided opinion. Some experts, like Mitchell McClenaghan, argued that Green did not have control of the ball and that Jurel should have been given the benefit of the doubt. Others, like Varun Aaron, believed that Green had sufficient control to justify the dismissal.The law itself states that the ball must be "held" in the hand or arm used to break the stumps. However, the visuals did not conclusively show whether Green had complete possession of the ball. This ambiguity led to the debate over whether the dismissal was justified.Tom Moody, another expert, pointed out that the key word in the law is "held." He argued that Green did not have control of the ball when the stumps were broken and that Jurel should not have been given out.Ultimately, the decision did not affect the outcome of the match. Rajasthan Royals went on to defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore with one over to spare, thanks to contributions from Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powell. However, the controversy surrounding Green's dismissal highlighted the need for clarity in the interpretation of the run-out rule.

Rajasthan Royals' Dhruv Jurel Suffers Hamstring Injury in IPL 2024 MatchRajasthan Royals batsman Dhruv Jurel sustained a suspected hamstring injury during the team's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday.The incident occurred in the ninth over of the match when Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Travis Head hit a shot off leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal towards deep mid-wicket. Jurel, positioned near the boundary, sprinted to stop the ball but ended up straining his hamstring.Jurel immediately appeared to be in pain and was taken off the field for medical attention. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined, but it could be a significant blow to the Rajasthan Royals, who are currently in contention for a playoff spot.The injury to Jurel overshadowed a strong performance by the Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup. Nitish Reddy and Travis Head both scored half-centuries to help their team post a formidable total of 201 for three.Head, who was dropped on 1 by Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, made the most of his reprieve, smashing 58 runs off 44 balls. Reddy, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 76 off 42 balls, including six fours and four sixes.The Rajasthan Royals bowlers struggled to contain the Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen, with only Kuldeep Sen and Yuzvendra Chahal managing to pick up wickets.The injury to Jurel will be a concern for the Rajasthan Royals, who are already without several key players due to injuries. The team will be hoping that Jurel's injury is not serious and that he can return to action soon.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), chasing down a challenging target of 197 with an over to spare. The victory marked RR's eighth win in nine games, solidifying their position at the top of the standings.LSG had set a formidable target, thanks to a century partnership between KL Rahul (76) and Deepak Hooda (50). However, RR's bowlers, led by Sandeep Sharma (2-31), kept the opposition in check, restricting them to a manageable total.RR's chase got off to a solid start, with openers Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal putting on 60 runs in the powerplay. However, the loss of three quick wickets, including Buttler and Jaiswal, put RR in a precarious position.Enter Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel. The duo forged a crucial 121-run partnership, guiding RR back into contention. Samson remained unbeaten on 71, while Jurel contributed a valuable 52.Despite a late surge from LSG, RR held their nerve to secure a seven-wicket victory. The win not only extended their lead at the top of the table but also virtually assured them a place in the playoffs.