Dhruv Jurel’s Double Century Sparks Test Comeback After Two‑Year Hiatus

• by Caspian Harrington
• 0 Comments

When Dhruv Chand Jurel slammed a double century for Uttar Pradesh in December 2022, nobody imagined it would become the catalyst for his return to India’s Test side after a two‑year lull. The 23‑year‑old wicket‑keeper‑batter, born on Jan 21 2001 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, turned a domestic innings into a ticket back to the senior team, a narrative that still feels fresh as the nation gears up for the South Africa series in November 2024.

From Ranji Hero to Test Mainstay

The innings that changed everything came in the second round of the 2022‑23 Ranji Trophy. Facing Nagaland at the Green Park stadium in Lucknow, Jurel, then just 21, crafted a patient 200‑plus knock that helped Uttar Pradesh declare past the 500‑run mark. India Today highlighted the feat on Dec 21, 2022, noting his ability to “open the innings and dominate the bowlers.”

That double century wasn’t just a personal milestone; it reminded selectors that the former U‑19 World Cup vice‑captain still possessed the temperament for long formats. The innings was his first of three double‑hundreds in domestic cricket, and it put him back on the radar ahead of the 2023‑24 season.

Domestic Milestones That Turned Heads

After the Ranji heroics, Jurel kept the momentum alive. In April 2023, he debuted for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, smashing an unbeaten 32* off just 15 balls against Punjab Kings at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati. The cameo earned him a regular spot in the Royals’ squad and proved his ability to accelerate under pressure.

His consistency didn’t stop there. While representing India A on tours of the United Kingdom and Australia, Jurel piled up three fifties in four innings in England and added two more in Australia. Those knocks showed he could handle swinging conditions, a trait that would later be pivotal in his Test debut.

International Breakthrough and Recent Performances

February 15 2024 marked Jurel’s first call‑up to the senior Test side for the third Test against England in Rajkot. He opened with a gritty 46 off 104 balls, a glimpse of the composure he would later display at the Ranchi Test.

The fourth Test at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi turned the moment into a statement. Jurel scored 90 on the first day, anchoring the innings before adding a match‑winning 39* in the second, earning the Player of the Match award as India clinched a 3‑1 lead. Since then, he has played five Tests, compiling 255 runs at an average of 36.42, with a highest score of 90.

His most recent outing came at The Oval in London (Sept 7‑10 2024), where he managed 19 and 34 against England. Though modest, the innings demonstrated his ability to bat in challenging English conditions – a skill he honed during those India A tours.

Selection Race: Jurel vs. Ishan Kishan

Back home, the Ranji Trophy continues to shape selection debates. In the opening game of the 2025/26 season, Ishan Kishan rattled a 173‑run knock for Jharkhand against Tamil Nadu at the Sri Ramakrishna College ground in Coimbatore. The innings sparked talk that Kishan could challenge Jurel for the backup wicket‑keeping slot.

Nevertheless, the board appears to favour Jurel. A Hindustan Times report on Oct 15 2024 quoted the selectors saying Jurel “deservingly takes the back‑up spot” after a century against West Indies in the first Test of that series. Moreover, his stint as a substitute wicket‑keeper during the 2025 England tour, when Rishabh Pant suffered injuries, gave him valuable on‑field experience.

When asked by ESPNCricinfo in Lucknow on Sept 20 2024, Jurel noted, “Staying with or around the India team definitely gives you confidence.” That confidence, paired with his consistent domestic scores, keeps him ahead of Kishan in the eyes of many coaches.

What Lies Ahead: South Africa Test Series

The next litmus test arrives with the home series against South Africa, slated to begin on Nov 14 2024. The squad announcement, expected in early November, will likely cement Jurel’s role as the second‑choice keeper behind Pant. If he retains the spot, Jurel could feature in the opening Test at Wankhede Stadium, where his ability to adapt to spin‑friendly pitches will be crucial.

Regardless of the final decision, Jurel’s trajectory underscores a broader lesson: a standout domestic performance, like his Ranji double century, can resurrect an international career even after years of obscurity. As the cricketing world watches his next moves, the narrative of the Lucknow‑born wicket‑keeper continues to evolve, reminding fans that perseverance on the field often reshapes destiny.

Key Facts

• Double century: 2022‑23 Ranji Trophy vs Nagaland (Dec 2022)
• IPL debut: 32* off 15 balls for Rajasthan Royals (Apr 5 2023)
• Test debut: 46 runs vs England in Rajkot (Feb 15 2024)
• Match‑winning 90 & 39* at Ranchi (June 2024)
• Current Test stats: 255 runs, 36.42 average in 5 matches