'Dhruv Jurel can definitely get... - Sunil Gavaskar makes bold prediction ahead of IPL 2024

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded Dhruv Jurel’s batting performance during his recent Test series debut against England. Sunil Gavaskar expressed confidence in Dhruv Jurel’s potential for a successful campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

With less than a week until the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on March 22, anticipation is high among fans and teams alike. Each franchise is banking on a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents to excel in the highly anticipated event.

Dhruv Jurel Can Be That Person – Sunil Gavaskar

Speaking to Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar expressed confidence that Dhruv Jurel will occupy a higher batting position in the Rajasthan Royals lineup. He emphasized that Jurel deserves a promotion in the batting order for the upcoming IPL season.

“Dhruv Jurel can be that person definitely. The way he has batted this year and the way he batted in the IPL last IPL, he can definitely get a promotion up the order,” Gavaskar said.

Dhruv Jurel made his international debut for India during the recent five-match Test series against England at home. The right-handed batter scored 46 runs in his first innings during the third Test in Rajkot. He played a match-winning knock in the subsequent Test.

The young wicketkeeper won the Player of the Match award in the fourth Test in Ranchi. He scored crucial runs when the team collapsed in the first innings. He scored an unbeaten 39 runs in the chase. He ended the series with a total of 190 runs at an average of 63.33.

Dhruv Jurel made his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals in 2023. He played impactful cameos for his team as a finisher in the previous season. Throughout the season, he scored 152 runs in 13 matches at an average of 21.71 and an impressive strike rate of 172.73.

Akash Deep Will Get More Opportunities Now – Sunil Gavaskar

The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted fast bowler Akash Deep as a standout player to watch in IPL 2024. Gavaskar stated that Royal Challengers Bangalore might provide ample opportunities for Akash, especially after his promising Test debut in Ranchi.

“Akash Deep, he hasn’t got a lot of opportunities, but the way he has shown performances on the big stage in test matches, probably he will get more opportunities now, and that can make a big difference,” the Mumbai-born cricketer further stated.

Akash Deep showcased promise in his debut during the England series, securing three wickets with precision. Despite limited IPL chances with Royal Challengers Bangalore, he displayed potential by taking six wickets across seven matches in the last two seasons.

Weakness In The Mumbai Indians Side – Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar observed notable weaknesses in the Mumbai Indians squad concerning their death bowling. He expressed concern over the potential lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting a susceptibility to leaking runs in crucial stages of the game.

“Death over bowling. Bumrah is there but maybe from the other side runs will be leaked. So this I think is a weakness in the Mumbai Indians side,” Gavaskar said.