Dhruv Jurel once again pushed his name into serious national discussion after a standout performance in domestic cricket. During the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, the young wicketkeeper-batter showed calm, control, and power. As a result, selectors now find it harder to ignore him. Moreover, his timing could not be better, with competition for India’s ODI spots heating up.
In the Uttar Pradesh vs Baroda match, Jurel delivered a career-defining knock. Batting at No.3, he smashed his maiden List A century and stayed unbeaten on 160 runs. Consequently, Uttar Pradesh piled up a huge 369 for 7. He reached his hundred in just 78 balls and kept attacking without losing shape or balance.
Dhruv “consistent” Jurel at it again 💥
160* of pure quality against Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.#DhruvJurel #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/kLxiWXYsT5— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) December 29, 2025
Meanwhile, Jurel built a vital partnership with Rinku Singh. Together, they added stability and speed to the innings. While Rinku scored a quick 63, Jurel controlled the tempo. Therefore, Baroda’s bowlers struggled to regain momentum. In particular, pacer Rasikh Salam faced heavy damage, conceding 55 runs in only 14 balls.
Key highlights from the match:
| Detail | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs scored | 160* |
| Balls faced | 137 |
| Fours | 15 |
| Sixes | 8 |
| Partnership with Rinku Singh | 131 runs |
Earlier in the tournament, Jurel had already shown strong form. He hit back-to-back fifties against Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Hence, his consistency across matches stands out. Not only is he scoring runs, but he is also doing so under pressure.
At the same time, Jurel’s performances come amid tough competition. India’s ODI setup currently features names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. Although Jurel travelled with the ODI squad for South Africa and Australia, he did not get a game. However, performances like this make his case stronger than ever.
Importantly, the Vijay Hazare Trophy remains a key platform before upcoming international series. With senior players resting, opportunities are opening up. Therefore, domestic runs now carry even more weight. Jurel’s maturity, shot selection, and wicketkeeping skills add to his value as a complete player.
In conclusion, Dhruv Jurel continues to grow with every outing. While selection debates will continue, his bat is doing the talking. If he maintains this form, his wait for a regular ODI spot may not last long.
