Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable performers during the TATA IPL 2026 season, delivering crucial runs under pressure while playing a key leadership role from behind the stumps. In a candid conversation with JioStar, Jurel opened up about the importance of positive communication, his relentless passion for batting, and the responsibility of supporting bowlers, especially young players making their IPL debut.
The Power of Positive Conversations
For Jurel, confidence often begins with simple conversations in the dressing room.
He believes that words of encouragement from teammates can have a lasting impact before stepping onto the field.
“I always like people talking to me before I bat,” Jurel said. “Even a small positive thought can make a difference. Sometimes a teammate says something simple, and that stays with me when I walk out to the middle. When I manage to execute those ideas, it boosts my confidence. Positive communication creates a better mindset and helps build a healthy atmosphere within the team.”
His approach highlights the growing emphasis modern teams place on mental preparation alongside technical skills.
A Cricketer Who Never Wants to Leave the Nets
Jurel’s love for batting is evident not only during matches but also during training sessions.
The Royals batter revealed that he constantly looks for opportunities to spend extra time in the nets, often finding creative ways to extend his practice sessions despite the efforts of batting coach Vikram Rathour to manage training schedules.
“I genuinely enjoy batting,” he explained. “I often ask Vikram sir for more time in the nets, but he usually says no because everyone needs a chance. So I arrive early and start batting before the official session begins. When my allotted time ends, I ask for a few more minutes. Even after taking off my pads, I keep them nearby so that if there’s a free slot later, I can jump back in.”
Jurel added that his desire to practice comes from a simple goal—never feeling underprepared when match day arrives.
Reading the Situation Before Taking Risks
One of the qualities that has made Jurel such a dependable middle-order batter is his ability to adapt to different match situations.
Rather than imposing a fixed approach, he carefully assesses the conditions before deciding how to build an innings.
“When I go out to bat, I first try to understand the situation,” he said. “I look at how the pitch is playing, what score is competitive, or what the required run rate is if we are chasing. Once I understand those factors, I pace my innings accordingly.”
He also acknowledged the impact of Rajasthan Royals’ explosive opening pair, often featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
“Many times one of them is batting really well at the other end. In those situations, my role is to support them, rotate the strike, and build partnerships. If they have momentum, I try to complement their game and keep the scoreboard moving.”
Building Confidence From Behind the Stumps
As a wicketkeeper, Jurel sees his role as extending far beyond catching and collecting deliveries.
He believes one of his biggest responsibilities is helping bowlers stay calm and confident, particularly those playing their first IPL match.
“I never tell bowlers exactly what they should bowl,” he said. “Instead, I remind them that they belong at this level. I tell them to trust their skills and back their instincts.”
Drawing from his own experiences as a young cricketer, Jurel understands the pressure debutants face.
“When players make their debut, there are a lot of thoughts running through their minds. If you overload them with instructions, they can start doubting themselves. My job is to give them confidence and reassurance. I tell them to stick with their plan and avoid overthinking.”
A Season Defined by Positive Cricket
Reflecting on Rajasthan Royals’ campaign, Jurel believes the team’s commitment to fearless and proactive cricket has been one of its defining strengths.
“We have always tried to play positive cricket,” he said. “That has been our approach throughout the season. Whether batting, bowling, or fielding, the focus has been on backing ourselves and playing with intent.”
For Jurel, confidence, preparation, adaptability, and trust have been the pillars of both his personal growth and the team’s success. As he continues to establish himself as one of India’s most promising young cricketers, those qualities are likely to remain central to his journey in the years ahead.
