GALLE — India batter Dhruv Jurel is preparing for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka, aiming to convert his strong form in shadow fixtures into consistent performances at the international level. The 25-year-old made his Test debut two years ago against England in Rajkot alongside Sarfaraz Khan, and he has since been a regular presence in India's Test squad as well as a backup wicketkeeper-batter in limited-overs cricket.

Despite earning backing from team management as a specialist batter alongside first-choice wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, Jurel has experienced contrasting fortunes between preparatory games and full international fixtures.

Jurel's recent match records illustrate this recurring pattern across various tours:

• Australia (2024): Scored 80 and 68 for India A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, followed by 11 and 1 in the Perth Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• England: Scored 94 and 53 not out for India A at Canterbury, before registering 19 and 34 after replacing an injured Pant at The Oval.
• Home Season: Posted 1, 56, and 140 against Australia A, recorded his maiden Test century against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, but scored only 29 runs in four innings against South Africa across Kolkata and Guwahati.
• Afghanistan Test: Scored 19 runs in the one-off Test match held in New Chandigarh.
• Sri Lanka Tour Preparations: Logged scores of 14, 141 not out, and 53 for India A in Galle, followed by 1 and 17 during match simulation outings at the NCC Ground in Colombo.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour commended Jurel's approach, stating, "Great work ethic. Very sincere guy. Nice kid. Very nice to speak to. Understands his cricket. Very intelligent as far as his game is concerned." Rathour also highlighted Jurel's earlier contribution against England, noting, "Rajkot was the first time I saw him play. And then in Ranchi, he played a fantastic knock, that partnership with Kuldeep (Yadav) was phenomenal."

Originally called up by the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar after playing 15 first-class matches—including a top score of 249 against Nagaland—Jurel is now aiming to lock down the No. 6 position. With the Test series scheduled to begin on August 15, Jurel will look to turn his preparations into decisive performances on the field.