'The only focus is...': Dhruv Jurel dismisses talk of competition with Rishabh Pant

Dhruv Jurel dismisses talk of competition with Rishabh Pant (PTI Photo)

Dhruv Jurel reiterated that there is "no competition" between him and Rishabh Pant and emphasised that the goal is to "win games" for India. Jurel, who took Pant's place in red-ball cricket following his toe injury, has been in incredible form. He scored his first century in Ahmedabad during the home Test series against the West Indies, which India won 2-0.

"There is no competition between me and Rishabh bhai. Both of us are playing for India, and whoever plays, the motive is the same: to make India win. If he plays, I am happy. If I play, I am happy. If we play together, that would be even better. The only focus is the team," Jurel noted while speaking on JioStar.

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Reflecting his thoughts on India's next assignment, which is a home Test series against South Africa, Jurel said: "It is going to be a very exciting battle. Both teams have strong fast-bowling attacks. Whether it's Rabada and Marco Jansen from their side, or Bumrah bhai from ours, there's quality all around."

When Jurel scored his first Test century against the Windies, he remarked he "felt on Cloud seven".

"As a cricketer, the best feeling is feeling accomplished that you did something for your team and they won" he said.

Meanwhile, during the pre-match press conference, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate made a noteworthy statement on Jurel's inclusion in the playing XI. "I would be very surprised if you don't see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test this week. Given the way Dhruv has gone in the last six months, and scoring two hundreds in Bengaluru last week, he is certain to play this week."