‘I just wanted to finish the match’ – Dhruv Jurel reflects on his spot in Rajasthan Royals’ batting order

Dhruv Jurel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Rajasthan Royals continue their dominance in the ongoing IPL (Indian Premier League). The side recently registered their eighth win of the season in nine games, staying atop the points table. Defeating Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium in their recent clash, the side continued to make a statement in the tournament.

The game saw Royals aiming to chase down a target of 197 runs, and it was the performances of Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel that stood out. Samson scored 71* runs in 33 deliveries, with Jurel adding 52* runs in 34 balls. It was a special occasion for Jurel, as the star batter performed after a flurry of subpar performances. 

After the clash, the 23-year-old came forward to talk about his spot in Rajasthan Royals’ batting order, branding it both a blessing and a curse. He revealed that he just wanted to bat until the end and finish the game for his side. 

“I just wanted to finish the match whenever I got a chance ( during batting). It’s always a blessing/curse (playing in the middle-order), I just wanted to stay until the end and finish the game for my team. I will have to practice in batting powerplay. You have just two fielders outside the ring. During the middle-overs, you’ll need to find the gaps and get the big hits going as there are 5 fielders in the deep, that’s what I was looking at,” Jurel said at the post-match presentation ceremony. 

I started well, but my shots went straight to the fielders: Jurel

Furthermore, the star batter revealed how he was struggling in the early phase of the innings, with his shots going straight to the fielders. However, it was then skipper Sanju Samson’s advice that helped him calm down and get in the groove. 

“I started well, but my shots went straight to the fielders. Sanju then told me to calm down, don’t go too hard, take my time, and then I got 20 runs in an over, and that got me going,” Jurel said.