IND vs ENG: Who is Dhruv Jurel? Wicketkeeper-batter who has walked in squad amid Ishan Kishan controversy

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IND vs ENG: Dhruv Jurel was a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the first two Test matches against England when BCCI announced the squad late on Friday.

Despite the presence of KL Rahul and KS Bharat, Dhruv Jurel also found a place in the 16-member squad as the third wicketkeeper-batter. However, Ishan Kishan's name still remained missing.

Ishan Kishan has been in the news since the start of 2024. A report ahead of India's three-match T20I series against Afghanistan suggested that the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter was ignored on disciplinary grounds.

As per the report, BCCI was unimpressed with Ishan Kishan's decision to pull out of South Africa Tests due to mental fatigue. Right after the withdrawal, the southpaw was spotted partying in the UAE, and appearing on a famous TV quiz show.

Rahul Dravid quashed the rumours ahead of the first T20I, and said that Ishan Kishan did not make himself available for the Afghanistan series.

"No absolutely not (disciplinary issue). Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested for a break, which we agreed in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available. I don't think he has made himself available as yet. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection," Dravid said in the pre-conference ahead of the first T20I.

But the fans were left surprised after the selectors included a third wicketkeeper-batter in the squad, leaving out Ishan Kishan for the first two Test matches against England. Dhruv Jurel barged into the Indian Test team as the suspense around everything related to Ishan Kishan increased.

IND vs ENG: Who is Dhruv Jurel?

Dhruv Jurel is a 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who plays for Uttar Pradesh in the domestic circuit and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He was recently part of the India A squad which travelled to South Africa for unofficial Test matches.

He was roped in by Rajasthan Royals at his base price of Rs 20 lakh ahead of the IPL 2022. He has been part of the franchise since then. The Agra-born cricketer has featured in a total of 15 first-class matches since making his debut in 2022. He has scored 790 runs at an average of 46.47. He has hit one hundred and five fifties in the red-ball format.

In his last appearance which came against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24, he scored 63 runs in the only innings he batted. He has grabbed 34 catches and stumped twice in first-class cricket.

Dhruv Jurel's List A record is also impressive. After making his debut in 2023, the right-hand batter has scored 189 runs in 10 matches at an average of 47.25. His strike rate is a solid 92.19. Dhurv Jurel was also part of India squad for Under-19 World Cup 2020.

In T20 cricket, Jurel carries a strike rate of 137.07. He has scored 244 runs in 23 T20 matches at an average of 20.33.

He made headlines in the IPL 2024 after winning a match for Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a six in the 20th over of the match.