Dhruv Jurel reveals he hid cricket from his father as a child

Dhruv Jurel joined a swimming camp at Eklavya Stadium in Agra but slipped away to play cricket without telling anyone at home. He borrowed kit, played matches and watched his runs appear in the local newspaper. That was how his father found out.

His father, a retired Havaldar who fought in Kargil, had expected his son to chase a government job. Once the secret was out, the older man backed the cricket instead. Jurel has since played 12 Tests and four T20Is for India.

Jurel is the reserve keeper for India's upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, which begins on Sunday at Thiruvananthapuram. He also recalled that the first major purchase after the 2020 Under-19 World Cup went towards his sister's wedding and the down payment on a Hyundai Verna.