Is Dhruv Jurel next MS Dhoni? Sourav Ganguly delivers no-nonsense verdict

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly believes that it is very early for Dhruv Jurel’s comparison with veteran Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni. Ganguly believes that it took 20 years for MSD to be where he is today and believes that Jurel has the temperament to play under pressure. The former Indian skipper also lauded Jurel’s skills to play against spin and pace and believed that he needs to keep playing like that if he wants to be compared to Dhoni.

Dhruv Jurel came out with knocks of 90 and 39* runs in the fourth IND vs ENG Test match and was adjudged the Player of the Match. Jurel showcased brilliant glovework behind the stumps and held on to every catch and stumping. The Uttar Pradesh cricketer would be hoping to perform with the same intent during the fifth Test match of the series.

Sourav Ganguly wants Dhruv Jurel to play cricket

Sourav Ganguly said on RevSportz. “MS Dhoni is in a different league. Dhruv Jurel has talent, there’s no doubt about it, but it took 20 years for MS Dhoni to be MS Dhoni. Let him play. [I like] his ability to play spin, ability to bat against the pace, and most importantly, to perform under pressure, that’s what you look at a youngster, and he’s got the temperament.”

MS Dhoni has been one of the best cricketers that Indian cricket has ever seen. MSD has won every ICC trophy including the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. He is the first Indian captain to achieve the landmark.

Apart from his achievements in international cricket, Dhoni has also proved his worth in the Indian Premier League. MSD has led the Chennai Super Kings throughout the tournament’s inception, making him the tournament’s most successful captain. Dhoni has won over 60% of his matches while heading CSK, with a win percentage of 59.37. MS Dhoni has won 133 games for CSK out of 225, while the team has lost 91 games during his guidance.

On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel garnered attention during his stint with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman scored 152 runs from 13 matches at a strike rate of 172.73 and smashed fours and sixes during his stay at the crease during the cash-rich league.

Dhruv Jurel is the son of a Kargil war veteran and his mother sold her gold chain to purchase him a cricket kit. With the likes of KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan out of contention from a selection of the Indian Test side, Jurel shall be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper if he continues his brilliant performance in the red ball format.

India currently lead the five-match Test series against England by 3-1 and have assured their win in the series. The Indian team will be hoping to win the fifth Test match all set to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. England on the other hand would be hoping to end the series on a winning note and shall make necessary changes to their lineup.