Sunil Gavaskar wants Dhruv Jurel to bat higher up in the RR batting order because he “can definitely get a promotion.”

Dhruv Jurel gave the Rajasthan Royals some outstanding at-bat performances during his first IPL season. The youthful wicketkeeper-battler, who mostly batted in the lower middle order, amassed 152 runs from 11 innings at an incredible strike-rate of 172.73.

The 23-year-old made his debut in the third Test match of the Rajkot series against England after making an impression in domestic cricket as well. This was his first call-up for India.

He helped his side recover in difficult circumstances with a decent 46 off 106 balls in his first-ever batting appearance for India. He then backed it up with an outstanding 90 in the first Ranchi Test inning.

Batting veteran Sunil Gavaskar believes that, given his form this year, Jurel should be promoted up the batting order as he prepares for his second spell with RR.

“Dhruv Jurel is undoubtedly the guy. Gavaskar said on Star Sports, “He can surely receive a promotion up the order, given the manner in which he batted in the previous IPL and this year.

Gavaskar had previously showered Jurel with adulation, drawing comparisons between him and the great MS Dhoni.

Although modest, Jurel accepted the praise and said it’s hard to follow in Dhoni’s footsteps.

“Many thanks for drawing a comparison between myself and Dhoni, Sir Gavaskar. However, I want to state from my experience that nobody can achieve what Dhoni sir has accomplished,” Jurel said at the India Today Conclave.

Dhoni is a singular entity. It was and will always be. All I want to be is Dhruv Jurel. My goal is to always act like Dhruv Jurel. However, Dhoni sir is and always will be a legend, he continued.

When RR begin their campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, Jurel will be back in action during the 2024 Indian Premier League.