On the third day of the fourth Test at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, India found themselves in a precarious position at 219 for 7. However, it was the standout performance of Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav that turned the tide in India’s favor, guiding them to a total of 307 runs in their first innings.
Jurel, impressively notching his maiden Test half-century, received crucial support from Kuldeep as they forged a resilient 77-run partnership for the 8th wicket. This partnership not only rescued India but also provided them with a competitive total in the Test match.
In a video released by the India Cricket Board, Kuldeep Yadav praised Jurel’s innings, highlighting his calm and composed demeanor under pressure. He expressed his confidence in Jurel’s abilities, citing their prior experience of playing together as a factor that contributed to their successful partnership.
Discussing Jurel’s innings, Kuldeep remarked, “He dedicated his fifty to his father who serves in the Army. One notable trait about him is his ability to stay calm and composed, even amidst conversations. Having previously played alongside him, I had immense faith in his batting prowess and knew what he was capable of.”
On the other hand, Jurel emphasized his focus on contributing to the team’s success rather than personal milestones. He credited his comfort batting alongside Kuldeep and stressed the importance of staying at the crease for as long as possible for the benefit of the team.
“The crucial factor for me was the comfort I felt batting alongside him. We both hail from Uttar Pradesh, which added to our synergy. My focus wasn’t on personal milestones during my batting innings. Instead, I was solely concentrated on occupying the crease as long as possible, knowing it would benefit the team. This being my debut series for India, my ultimate wish is to clinch victory in the series with the team,” stated Jurel.
The partnership between Jurel and Kuldeep not only showcased their talent but also exemplified the spirit of teamwork and resilience, which will be crucial for India as they seek victory in the fourth Test and the series overall.
