Performance – Dhruv Jurel Reflects on Rajasthan Royals’ Positive IPL Journey
Performance – Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has looked back on his side’s IPL 2026 campaign with a sense of pride despite their exit in Qualifier 2. Rajasthan’s journey came to an end after a seven-wicket loss against Gujarat Titans, but Jurel believes the team maintained an attacking and confident brand of cricket throughout the tournament.
The Royals produced a strong batting display in New Chandigarh, putting up 214 for 6 on the scoreboard. A remarkable innings of 96 from young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided the foundation for the total. However, Gujarat Titans successfully chased the target, powered by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century, which secured their place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Building Confidence Among Bowlers
Speaking about his role behind the stumps, Jurel explained that his priority is to encourage bowlers rather than instruct them on technical matters. According to him, young and inexperienced players often face intense pressure during their early matches, making confidence more valuable than detailed advice.
He said that when speaking with bowlers, particularly debutants, he focuses on reminding them of their abilities and encouraging them to trust their own plans. Jurel noted that excessive guidance can sometimes create uncertainty, leading players to second-guess their instincts. Instead, he prefers to reassure them that they belong at the highest level and should commit fully to their chosen approach.
Passion for Extra Practice
Jurel also highlighted his deep commitment to improving as a batter. The Rajasthan Royals star revealed that he regularly seeks additional time in the practice nets, often arriving before scheduled sessions begin.
He shared that even after completing his allotted training period, he frequently looks for opportunities to continue batting. According to Jurel, his enthusiasm for practice is well known within the squad, with batting coach Vikram Rathour often having to remind him to allow other players their turn. The wicketkeeper-batter explained that extensive preparation gives him confidence before matches and ensures he never feels underprepared when stepping onto the field.
Adapting to Match Situations
Discussing his batting strategy in T20 cricket, Jurel said he prefers to assess conditions carefully before accelerating. Rather than rushing from the outset, he studies factors such as pitch behaviour, scoring patterns, and match requirements before shaping his innings accordingly.
He added that Rajasthan often benefited from aggressive starts provided by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. In those situations, his role was to support the partnership, rotate strike efficiently, and maintain stability at one end. By complementing the attacking batters, he aimed to help the team build substantial partnerships while keeping the scoreboard moving steadily.
Looking Ahead to International Duty
Following the conclusion of the IPL season, Jurel is set to join India’s Test squad for the upcoming one-off match against Afghanistan scheduled for June 6. Before returning to national duties, he will take a brief break after a demanding tournament.
Reflecting on his personal mindset, Jurel emphasized the importance of communication within the dressing room. He explained that positive conversations with teammates and support staff often help him stay mentally focused. Even simple words of encouragement can influence his confidence and preparation before heading out to bat.
According to Jurel, constructive discussions create a healthier atmosphere within the squad and help players perform with greater belief. He believes that trust, support, and open communication are essential ingredients for both individual success and team growth, lessons Rajasthan Royals carried throughout their IPL 2026 campaign despite falling short of a place in the final