- Shamser Khalid
RR Batter Has Fanboy Moment After Meeting MS Dhoni
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and learn from the best in the game. Dhruv Jurel, a Rajasthan Royals batter, recently had an experience of a lifetime when he shared the field with his idol, MS Dhoni.
Jurel made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings and has played in four matches so far in the ongoing tournament. Despite losing his debut match, Jurel played a quick-fire 32-run knock-off in just 15 balls.
It was during the match against Chennai Super Kings that Jurel got the chance to have a conversation with the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, and he shared his experience in an interview with ‘Humans of Bombay.’ According to Jurel, it was a surreal experience to meet someone he had grown up admiring.
The Meeting and After
He stood at a distance and stared at Dhoni for five minutes when he saw him for the first time. Jurel said, “I thought, ‘Bas mehnat karni hai, waha tak pohchna hai’ (I just have to work hard and reach there one day).”
"Nothing can top this latest match. Not only did I share a field with Mahi Bhai, but I also got to speak to him! Now, that’s exactly what I plan to do, so I can get where he is one day… After all, nothing is ever impossible," he added.
After the game, Jurel got to speak to Dhoni, and he asked him how he always stays so calm. Dhoni in response, said, “As a finisher, you’ll only get 1 or 2 overs to make your mark. So, just believe in yourself and start hitting.”
Dhoni has been an inspiration for a majority of young cricketers all across the globe. With his calm presence and valuable advice, Dhoni has helped many young players, including Jurel, to believe in themselves and strive for success.
Who is Jurel and What's Next for Him?
Jurel's passion for cricket began during a summer camp when he was 12 years old. He said that he never even dreamt of pursuing it professionally, but his father encouraged him to do so. Jurel's father was a retired Army veteran, and he wanted his son to get a stable government job. However, Jurel fell in love with cricket and pursued it seriously, with the dream of following in his father's footsteps.
For Jurel, sharing the field with Dhoni was a dream come true. The advice he received from the former India captain will inspire him to work harder and achieve his goals.
Following Jurel's latest match with the team, Rajasthan Royals currently lead the IPL table with eight points in five matches, while Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings are sixth with four points in four games.
Jurel and Rajasthan Royals will next take on Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday, April 19 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. It will be interesting to see how Jurel performs after receiving valuable advice from his idol.
Before the clash between the Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, there will be a match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.
