‘Pehli ball maarni hai, maar’: Dhruv Jurel recalls his 1st frank conversation with Rohit Sharma

During a training session on the sidelines of his debut Test series against England earlier this year, Dhruv Jurel recalled his first meeting with Rohit Sharma.

During India’s home Test series against England, the wicketkeeper-batter was called up for the first time, and he had the opportunity to speak candidly with the Indian captain in the dressing room. Jurel, however, disclosed that the seasoned campaigner was the one who called him for a conversation since he was unable to find the guts to speak with Rohit.

“I made frequent eye contact with Rohit bhaiya, but I lacked the confidence to speak with him. Then he called me ‘idhar aa!’ in a casual way. (Please come here!). Next, he uttered, “Kya ho gaya?” Is Sab badhiya? Isliye tu aaya hai tere me dum hai, tere me potential hai. Alhamdulillah, bindaas. Maar, pehli ball maarni hai. “Bas 100% sure hoke maariyo” (Everything fine, what’s wrong? You are deserving of this team’s spot. Avoid becoming overburdened. Hit the first ball for a six if that’s what you want to accomplish. Just make sure your shot is perfect). That’s what was discussed. In a YouTube interview with Jatin Sapru, Jurel reminisced about the time he hadn’t even made his debut.

Dhruv Jurel recalled his first meeting with Rohit Sharma

For the last three games, the ineffective KS Bharat was replaced in the playing XI by the 23-year-old, who made an impression both with the bat and the gloves. He averaged 63.33 and scored 190 runs in four innings. In contrast to his state team, Jurel, who plays domestically for Uttar Pradesh, claimed that the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room is far more laid back. In addition, he related what Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer told him when he was struck in the shoulder during a throwdown by India’s Raghu in the nets.

“Music never stops playing in the changing area. I had never seen a dressing room like that in a state, so it was all new to me. That place is quite severe. While facing Raghu bhai in the nets, I struck him for a really nice drive. He gave me a hot bouncer on my shoulder the very next ball. Axar and Iyer then approached me to shake hands. I was taken aback by their reason for shaking hands with me. “Welcome to Indian cricket!” they exclaimed, Jurel recalled.

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The gifted young player has been included in India’s squad for the first Test, which begins on Thursday, September 19, against Bangladesh. He is anticipated to sit on the bench, though, as Rishabh Pant makes his nearly two-year return to the Test arena.