He didn’t just score runs—he screamed for attention.
In a stunning display of power, precision, and maturity, young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel smashed an unbeaten 160 off just 101 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, putting the national selectors on high alert. With India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour soon to be announced, Jurel’s performance couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment—especially with Rishabh Pant’s return still shrouded in uncertainty .
This isn’t just another domestic century. It’s a full-throated audition for the big stage. And the cricketing world is listening.
Table of Contents
- Jurel’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Masterclass
- Why Dhruv Jurel ODI Selection Is Now a Real Possibility
- The Rishabh Pant Factor: A Door Left Ajar
- Jurel vs Other Backup Wicketkeepers
- What Makes Jurel Stand Out?
- The Selection Committee’s Tightrope Walk
- What’s Next for Dhruv Jurel?
- Conclusion: A Star in the Making—or Just a Flash?
- Sources
Jurel’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Masterclass
Representing Uttar Pradesh, the 23-year-old dismantled the opposition bowling attack with a breathtaking knock that included 14 fours and 8 sixes. His strike rate of 158.42 wasn’t just aggressive—it was calculated, controlled, and clinical .
More impressively, this wasn’t a one-off. Across just three Vijay Hazare matches in December 2025, Jurel has amassed over 300 runs at an average of 150+—with two fifties and this monumental century .
“He’s playing like a man with a point to prove,” said a former national selector in an off-record conversation. “And honestly, he’s proving it well.”
Why Dhruv Jurel ODI Selection Is Now a Real Possibility
India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand (starting January 18, 2026) needs a reliable backup wicketkeeper. While KL Rahul remains the first-choice keeper in Pant’s absence, the team still requires a specialist backup who can contribute with the bat.
Enter Jurel. His recent form, coupled with his experience as a reserve in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, gives him a unique edge. He’s already been in the national setup—just waiting for his chance.
And with the Dhruv Jurel ODI selection debate heating up, selectors may see this as the perfect low-risk, high-reward opportunity: blood youth in a bilateral series with World Cup 2027 qualification points at stake.
The Rishabh Pant Factor: A Door Left Ajar
As of late December 2025, Rishabh Pant continues his recovery from injuries sustained in 2022. While he made a triumphant return in the 2025 IPL and played a handful of T20Is, his ODI comeback remains unconfirmed.
The BCCI medical team has reportedly advised a “gradual reintegration” into longer formats. That means Pant may skip the New Zealand ODIs to focus on the 2026 Test series or the IPL 2026 auction prep .
His absence would open a direct path for a player like Jurel—or perhaps Ishan Kishan, who’s also pushing hard after missing the T20 World Cup squad.
Jurel vs Other Backup Wicketkeepers
Let’s compare the leading contenders for the backup keeper spot:
| Player | Vijay Hazare 2025 Runs | Avg / SR | National Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhruv Jurel | 300+ (3 inns) | 150+ / 145+ | T20 World Cup 2024 reserve |
| Ishan Kishan | 210 (4 inns) | 52.5 / 122 | 15+ ODIs |
| Harshal Patel (wk) | 180 (4 inns) | 45 / 118 | Limited |
While Kishan has more international mileage, Jurel’s current form is simply irresistible.
What Makes Jurel Stand Out?
It’s not just about big shots. Jurel excels in three key areas:
- Wicketkeeping Skills: Agile, soft hands, and quick stumpings—critical in New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions.
- Finisher Mentality: He thrives in pressure chases, a rare trait among young keepers.
- Adaptability: Equally comfortable opening or batting at No. 5—ideal for ODI flexibility.
For more on rising Indian talents, see our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:next-gen-indian-cricketers-to-watch].
The Selection Committee’s Tightrope Walk
Picking Jurel isn’t without risk. He has zero ODI experience. But as former captain Rahul Dravid once said, “You don’t find future stars by playing it safe.”
The selectors—led by Ajit Agarkar—face a classic dilemma: go with the known (Kishan) or gamble on the in-form youngster. With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, investing in Jurel now could pay massive dividends later .
What’s Next for Dhruv Jurel?
If selected, Jurel would likely travel as KL Rahul’s understudy. But if Pant is ruled out long-term, this New Zealand tour could be his launchpad.
Even if he’s not picked, his Vijay Hazare blitz ensures he’ll be on every selector’s radar for the Sri Lanka and South Africa tours later in 2026.
Conclusion: A Star in the Making—or Just a Flash?
One thing is clear: the Dhruv Jurel ODI selection conversation is no longer hypothetical. With a 160* that blended elegance and explosiveness, he’s done everything asked of him at the domestic level.
Now, it’s up to the selectors to decide: is this the moment to trust youth? Or play it safe with experience? Either way, Indian cricket has a promising new name knocking—loudly—on the door.
Sources
- Times of India: 160 not out! Jurel knocks on ODI door
- BCCI Domestic Stats: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 – Official Records
- ESPNCricinfo: Rishabh Pant’s Return Timeline – December 2025 Update
- ICC Official Site: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualification Pathway