Debutant Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reminisces his first meeting with him at his academy

India's third Test against England at Rajkot is a special occasion for two Indian youngsters, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who made their Test debut for India in this game. While it was Sarfaraz who hogged the limelight on the 1st day with his sensational half-century and some beautiful moments with his father, Dhruv showed a glimpse of his talent with a sensible knock of 46 runs in his first test innings.

Those who follow IPL closely will be aware of Jurel’s abilities where he has displayed his batting prowess in the limited opportunities he has got but Test cricket is a different ball game and doing well here speaks volumes of a playing mental strength as well. 

With Dhruv Jurel, it was evident from a young age that his guy is something special as remembered by his childhood Phool Chand who met him for the first time back in 2014 when Jurel was only 14 years old. Seeing the young boy travelling from Agra to Noida on his own and the confidence he exuberated, Chand realized that he was something special.

While speaking to PTI on the occasion of Dhruv Jurel’s debut, Phool Chand reminisced, “Before I could ask anything, the boy said, 'Sir my name is Dhruv Jurel and please take me in your academy”.

"I didn't see any parent accompanying him. I thought maybe he was a local boy from Noida but then he said, 'Sir, I have come all alone from Agra and the friend who had promised to arrange my accommodation at his house isn't picking up the call."

"Seeing a 13-year-old travel alone, I knew this boy was special," Chand recalled.

Proud moment for Dhruv Jurel’s coach

A coach and a student share a bitter-sweet relationship and especially if you are together for such a long time, the bond becomes even more special. It was a momentous occasion for him as Jurel is his first discipline to play Test cricket for India and the second one to play international cricket.

On this special occasion, Jurel’s coach said, “For a teacher, can there be a bigger day than seeing his student excel? He is the first among my students who will play Test cricket and second after pacer Shivam Mavi to play international cricket.”

He further said, “He further said, "I had messaged him early in the morning that, 'Is din ko yaadgar banana' (make this day memorable), and he said, 'Main apna best dunga, sir' (I will give my best, sir)."