“Dhruv Jurel has the qualifications to become MS Dhoni, but Rishabh Pant might make a comeback soon.”

Dhruv Jurel made his debut in the domestic circuit for his state side Uttar Pradesh in the 2022 Ranji Trophy, but he had only played 15 first-class games when he was named to India’s Test squad against England as his first-ever national call-up. Nevertheless, the wicketkeeper-batsman has drawn comparisons to none other than the legendary former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni despite having only played two Tests.

The son of a Kargil War veteran, Jurel, was hailed by Sunil Gavaskar as “another MS Dhoni in the making” following his innings of 90 and 39 not out to lead India to victory in the fourth Test in Ranchi. However, leg-spin legend Anil Kumble, a former captain of India, has discovered that Jurel possesses skills that could propel him to the heights of Dhoni’s career.
But if Rishabh Pant, who had an accident more than a year ago, gets back to full fitness, Jurel could have a harder time getting back into the starting eleven. But Kumble did not hesitate to say that, when it comes to both behind the wickets and with the bat, Jurel is the player who is closest to being the next Dhoni.
“Yes, Rishabh Pant is there. Naturally, we are unsure of his return date; ideally, it will be sooner for Rishabh. However, apart from that, Kumble said in a Jio Cinema interview that “he (Jurel) definitely has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career.”
“Jurel has shown the temperament to attack as well as protect with his skill. He was really confident when he went after the bowlers in that first innings (in Ranchi) and then smashed those massive sixes while batting with the tail,” Kumble said.

“And even behind the stumps, hats off to his talents. He has performed quite well, particularly while “keeping” the speedier bowlers. Once again, he made a few pretty nice catches against the spinners, and he will only get better. This is only his second test, but I have no doubt that he will only become better as he plays more and more. Furthermore, it bodes good for India.”
Kumble also praised the selectors’ courageous decision to choose a guy with such little first-class experience as Jurel.

It’s great to have him on a team. I mean, KS Bharat hasn’t had it easy. However, for the reason I mentioned before, the selectors picked him after just seeing him in 15 first-class matches, stating, “Okay, this is the person who we believe (in)” and introducing him in the third and final Test. And he’s been excellent ever since.
After scoring 46 in his first game in Rajkot, Jurel hasn’t looked back.