Organised batter, shows hunger for runs: Kaif on Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 115 for India against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Monday, August 24. Resuming on the second day on seven, Jurel initially played the supporting role alongside Rishabh Pant. The pair put on 112 runs for the seventh wicket, helping India recover from 307/6 before the team declared their first innings at 503/9 on Day 2.

Jurel reached his second Test century in 171 balls before finishing with 115 not out off 177 deliveries, an innings laced with nine fours and two sixes. It was Jurel’s first Test hundred outside India, following his maiden century against the West Indies in Ahmedabad last year, when he scored 125. His 177-ball innings showcased remarkable composure, risk-free run accumulation and excellent situational awareness.

“He didn’t get beaten at all. The ball didn’t hit his bat’s outside edge at all. All balls hit the middle of his bat. It shows how organised a batter he is.” Kaif said during a discussion on Sony Sports.

“The Indian team is searching for players who can bat well against spin. Why do we lose in India? It was because we weren’t able to play spin,” he added.

Kaif’s assessment of Jurel’s organised batting

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif was particularly impressed by Jurel’s assured batting against both pace and spin bowlers. Kaif highlighted how Jurel’s technique and hunger for runs were evident throughout his innings in Colombo. The former India batter also noted the pressure Jurel had faced in the opening Test in Galle and how he responded with dominance.

“I understand he plays fast bowling well, but against spin, he played shots off the back foot, used his feet, brought out the reverse sweep, and he has the hunger to score runs. There was a lot of pressure when he went to bat in Galle. If he had gotten out there, he might not have gotten a chance to play this Test match, and he showed dominance there. His batting came against the new ball yesterday,” Kaif said.

Also Read – After KL Rahul, Jurel plays the best against fast bowlers: Cheteshwar Pujara

Jurel had shown his credentials in the opening match in Galle, where he scored a fluent 51 off 68 balls, his second Test fifty and his first outside India. In Colombo, he reached his own fifty from 97 balls and demonstrated good judgement against both pace and spin. Jurel hit Fernando for two sixes, including one over long-off and another hook over square leg, showcasing his range of strokes while maintaining his organized approach at the crease.

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