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Young India wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has forced his name into stiff competition with his stunning knocks at the right time ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Just days before the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is scheduled to meet in the first week of January 2026 to finalize the ODI squad for the New Zealand series, the 23-year-old played a career-defining innings against Uttar Pradesh in Rajkot against Baroda.
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Dhruv Jurel smashed his maiden century and took it to another level with an unbeaten 160 off just 101 balls. The innings immediately raised eyebrows and put fresh pressure on the selectors as they were about to finalize the squad.
Dhruv Jurel on Rishabh Pant ODI Fight: ‘My focus is on performance’
India are expected to continue with KL Rahul as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman, but the bigger issue is the replacement options. So far, the discussion has mainly revolved around Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, although Dhruv Jurel has become a part of the Indian ODI squad this year.
However, Jurel’s sensational performance has made everyone pay attention, and now he has finally broken his silence and “played against” Risha Pant. The Times of India quoted Jurel as saying: “Regardless of the results and choices, no one can take away my hard work. That’s why I work hard. It got me here and will take me far.”
Dhruv Jurel’s grounded opinion: “It’s about being in control”
Amid the growing uproar, the 23-year-old Uttar Pradesh batsman remained remarkably calm. Jurel’s approach is to prepare and take long batting sessions rather than chasing the outcome of options that are not in his hands.
Jurel further added, “I don’t set too many goals for myself. I focus on the process. Even before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when I had time, I had time; I batted for 4-5 hours and created scenarios in my mind about what I could do.”
Also read: Gautam Gambhir ends Rishabh Pant’s ODI career; Ishan Kishan sealed as permanent replacement
Choice headache: Pant’s comeback vs Ishan and Jurel’s hot form
Rishabh Pant returned to the ODI squad after a long injury layoff and played just one match during the tour of Sri Lanka in July 2024. He was included in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad and the recent ODI series against South Africa at home, but he did not get a chance to play.
Kishan, on the other hand, has excelled with the bat. His impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him a call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The Jharkhand star continued his form with a century in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, sparking discussions about his return to the ODI team.
Even Jurel has now scored a huge hundred against Baroda in the tournament. In the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, the wicketkeeper scored 307 runs in just three games at an incredible average of 153.50. He has smashed two half-centuries and a century, keeping him firmly in the ODI set-up.
