After replacing the injured Rishabh Pant halfway through Day 1 of the Lord’s Test, Dhruv Jurel has been receiving accolades for his wicketkeeping abilities from both cricket fans and past players. While attempting to collect a delivery along the leg-side, the latter injured his left index finger. Jurel, who has participated in four Test matches thus far, has been wearing the wicketkeeping gloves ever since Rishabh left the pitch.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated on social media ahead of Day 2 that Jurel will continue to take wickets for the Shubman Gill-led team, while the team medics will keep an eye on Pant’s fitness.
On Day 1, Jurel made an incredible catch off Ravindra Jadeja’s ball to send Ollie Pope back to the hut, impressing cricket purists with his wicketkeeping technique. Pope received a thick edge as the ball spun violently, requiring Jurel to have quick reflexes to position his gloves correctly.
Dinesh Karthik, the former wicketkeeper for India, praised Jurel’s skill and positioning before contrasting him with Pant.
Karthik analysed Jurel’s catch’s technical elements and contrasted them with Pant’s method on a comparable ball.
His research made it clear that Jurel’s movements were more controlled and aligned, which enabled him to make the incredible catch that eliminated Pope, whereas Rishabh movements were too fast, causing him to miss the ball.
“Your head position in relation to the glove is determined in many ways by the position of your right leg,” Karthik said in an interview with Sky Sports.
According to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor, “Dhruv Jurel is a lot more lower and closer to the keeping pads and the height of it as compared to Pant.”
The Agra native will not be permitted to bat in lieu of the Indian vice captain, but Jurel will be able to hold onto wickets for Pant. Since Pant’s batting is a key component of India’s strategy, fans would be worried about his injury.