India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel emphasized a team-first mindset after scoring a vital half-century on Day 2 of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel contributed a crucial 51 in India's first innings during the rain-affected opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Jurel stressed that his focus remains strictly on team requirements rather than individual goals.
"Whenever I go in, I just think about what the team needs," Jurel said. "There is no personal milestone that I look for before batting. I listen to the captain and coach. I go there and do what the team needs, I try to control the situation for the team. It is about being switched on. I had played in the A-series earlier here and I had an idea about the pitch and the weather."
When asked if he felt pressure over his spot in the playing XI ahead of the match, Jurel countered that he felt none. "Not at all. I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to represent India. That’s the only privilege that I play for," he stated.
Reflecting on the batting approach alongside players like Rishabh Pant and the tailenders, Jurel noted that the plan was to put maximum runs on the board by playing sensible cricket. India eventually built a first-innings total of 450-odd, a score Jurel described as very good on the Galle pitch.
With the bat having done its job, Jurel called on the Indian bowling attack to drive home the advantage and secure 20 wickets. "Satisfaction is about winning the match. Our bowlers have to be consistent, bowl long spells. There is no rocket science. We need to put the ball in right areas and get those 20 wickets," he said, adding that the remaining three days will be crucial despite time lost to rain.
Jurel also highlighted the benefit of India’s extended preparation in Sri Lanka, having arrived 10 days prior to train in Colombo. He noted that multiple training sessions helped the squad adapt to the local surfaces and environmental conditions.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.