'Whatever selection may be...': Dhruv Jurel breaks silence on ODI call-up buzz amid Ishan Kishan-Rishabh Pant debate

Dhruv Jurel breaks silence on ODI call-up buzz amid Ishan Kishan-Rishabh Pant debate

If speculations are to be believed, the wicketkeeper-batter slot is up for grab in the Indian ODI setup. Reports have emerged of selectors looking ahead of Rishabh Pant and two names that lead the race currently are Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan. While the latter has been named in India's T20 squad for the forthcoming World Cup, it'll be interesting to see who dons the role in the upcoming ODIs against New Zealand, starting from January 11.

And to make his case stronger, Jurel smashed a brilliant unbeaten century in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter between Uttar Pradesh and Baroda. At Rajkot earlier this week, Jurel underlined his 50-over credentials by smoking 160 not out off 101 deliveries, featuring 15 boundaries and eight maximums.

Also Read | Three keepers, one spot: Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel in the ODI selection race

Jurel in the match was involved in a 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Rinku Singh (63 off 67 balls), who was uncharacteristically slow by his standards. He then joined forces with late-order batter Prashant Veer (35) to stitch a 122-run stand for the sixth wicket as UP zoomed to a massive 369 for 7 after being reduced to 92 for 3 in the 19th over.

In response, Baroda were all-out for 315.

When asked to Jurel about the same, the 24-year-old chooses to ignore such talk and focus on the hard work. "I don’t set too many goals for myself. I focus on the process. Even before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when I got some time, I got some time, I was batting for 4-5 hours and creating scenarios in my mind about what I can do. Whatever the result and selection may be, no one can take my hard work away from me. That’s why I work hard. It has brought me this far and will take me further," he told Times of India.

Jurel has so far represented India in T20Is and Tests but is yet earn his maiden ODI cap. Will he get one in the upcoming 50-over contests against the Kiwis, only time will tell. As per reports, the squad for the New Zealand series will be picked on either January 3rd or 4th.