Young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has put his name in serious contention ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand by playing a brilliant innings at exactly the right time.
Just days before the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is scheduled to meet in the first week of January 2026 to finalize the ODI squad for the New Zealand series, the 23-year-old played a career-defining innings for Uttar Pradesh against Baroda in Rajkot.
Also read: Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan surround Rishabh Pant’s place, Dhruv Jurel warns Ajit Agarkar with VHT’s bravery
Dhruv Jurel scored his maiden List A century and took it to another level, remaining unbeaten on 160 off just 101 balls. The innings immediately attracted attention and added new pressure to the selectors as they prepared to finalize the squad.
Dhruv Jurel on Rishabh Pant ODI fight: “My focus is on performance”
It is expected that India will stick with KL Rahul as the first choice wicketkeeper-batsman, but the big question is about the backup option. Till now, that discussion has mainly revolved around Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, even though Dhruv Jurel has been a part of India’s ODI squad this year.
However, Jurel’s sensational form has forced everyone to take notice, and now he has finally broken his silence on his “fight” with Rishabh Pant. The Times of India quoted Jurel as saying, “Whatever the results and selection, no one can take away my hard work from me. That’s why I work hard. It has taken me here and will take me further.”
Dhruv Jurel’s Grounded Take: “It’s about the controllable”
Amid the growing buzz, the 23-year-old batsman from Uttar Pradesh has remained remarkably calm. Jurel’s approach to selection has been about preparation and long batting sessions rather than chasing results that are not in his hands.
Jurel further said, “I don’t set too many targets for myself. I focus on the process. Even before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when I got some time, I was batting for 4-5 hours and creating scenarios in my mind as to what I could do.”
Also read: Gautam Gambhir ends Rishabh Pant’s ODI career; Ishan Kishan selected as permanent replacement
Selection headache: Pant’s return vs Ishan and Jurel’s red-hot form
Rishabh Pant, who returned to the ODI team after a long injury, has played only one match during the Sri Lanka tour in July 2024. He was included in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad and the recent ODI series against South Africa at home, but did not get a chance to play.
On the other hand, Kishan is in great form with the bat. His strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him a late call-up to the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Jharkhand star continued his form with a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, sparking talks about his return to the ODI team.
Even Jurel now has a big century to his name against Baroda in the tournament. The wicketkeeper has scored 307 runs at an incredible average of 153.50 in just three matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. He has already scored two half-centuries and a century, putting him in a strong position to retain his ODI setup.