When Dhruv Jurel was spotted sweating it out in the nets ahead of the Rajkot Test, there was a strong hunch that he would go on to don the Indian jersey for the team. Much to everyone’s expectations, his turn finally came as he made his Test debut for India.

Of course, it was a move that everyone saw coming, especially after wicketkeeper KS Bharat lacked tooth to negate the bowling attack in the recent games. With that being the case, the Indian think-tank offered Dhruv Jurel an opportunity to make himself count.

The right-handed batsman impressed the cricket fraternity by combining his game with a blend of caution and aggression. The best part of his gameplay was observed when he executed a ramp shot off Mark Wood’s 146 kmph bouncer for a six.

It was at that moment, the Agra-born cricketer showed us clarity that he does really belong to this level. He chipped in with a valuable contribution, essaying 46 runs including 2 fours and 3 sixes, giving us a hint that he is a long-term asset and would go places if he is backed well.

Dhruv Jurel Biography: Family background and early life

Once upon a time, his father, Nem Singh Jurel, a retired Havaldar in the Indian Army wanted his son to serve the nation as a soldier but Dhruv Jurel had other ambitions. The Kargil war veteran thought that his son would take the legacy forward but Jurel had already set his sights on becoming a cricketer.

Since nobody in the family background played cricket, Jurel’s father was worried if his son didn’t make it big in sport, despite drawing plaudits from many that his son bats very well and that he should focus on this journey. Nem Singh realized his son’s interest and zeal for the sport.

It was at that moment he decided to help his son follow his dreams. From then on, he met Parvendra Yadav, who operates Springdale Academy in Agra and then urged him to bring the best out of his son such that he would become a good cricketer in the future.

It is quite obvious that cricket is an expensive sport as one needs to splash the cash to buy the necessary kit. Jurel’s mother, who was only focused on helping her son pursue his dreams, didn’t care about her gold jewellery one bit as she pawned it to get him the first cricket kit.

“I had to borrow 800 rupees then because we didn’t have money. He later wanted a kit bag but it was very expensive, some 6000 rupees. I said 'mat khelo, itna paisa nahi hai (leave the game, I don’t have so much money).’ But he locked himself in the bathroom and his mother decided to pawn her only gold chain, which was how we managed to buy his first kit bag. Now, I laugh sometimes when I recall those moments but one thing was clear. He was ready to work hard,” added Jurel’s father.

Jurel travelled all alone to Noida to follow his dream to become a India cricketer. Noida's most famous cricket coach Phool Chand was taken aback to see 14-year-old Jurel unaccomoanied miles away from his home.

"Before I could ask anything, the boy said, 'Sir my name is Dhruv Jurel and please take me in your academy', he requested," the coach, who saw a quiet confidence in the teenager, recalled in an interview to PTI.

"I didn't see any parent accompanying him. I thought may be he is a local boy from Noida but then he said, 'Sir, I have come all alone from Agra and the friend who had promised to arrange my accommodation at his house isn't picking up my call'," Phool Chand narrated.

The 23-year-old’s journey to becoming a cricketer was never that easy but he will forever be grateful for his parents who played a quintessential role in shaping his cricketing venture. The prospect who played in the IPL, India A and has finally got to have a say in the Indian team. He will be looking forward to showcasing his mettle consistently with a view to cementing his spot.