The second Test of the five-match Test series between India and England is starting from February 2 in Visakhapatnam. Many people are eagerly waiting for this important test match. Let us tell you, Dhruv Jurel has also been included in the Indian team in the Test series being played against England.

Young wicketkeeper batsman Dhruv Jurel has given a big statement in an exclusive interview with GeoCinema before the first Test against England played in Hyderabad.

When did you get the call to join the Indian team?

We were practicing that day and in the evening when I was going to sleep, I just switched on BCCI TV and saw my name on it. I was quite surprised. Every child wants to play for the Indian national team and as soon as I saw my name, all that was going on in my mind was that I am living my dream.

Journey to the Indian team?

Any cricketer who belongs to a middle class family has the dream of playing for the Indian team. However, when you are starting your career in cricket, you are fighting against many people, both mentally and due to lack of money.

As soon as I saw my name, my hard work appeared before my eyes. I was discussing all these things with my family and sister.

Importance of domestic cricket?

Domestic cricket has great importance because you have to make your team win the match. We face the best bowlers from every state. Only the best players play in domestic cricket. The cricket pitch of every state is different, like the condition of the cricket pitch of Ahmedabad and that of Delhi will be quite different.

We play Ranji Trophy matches at home and away where the weather is also quite different. We have to perform tremendously in such situations.

What would you like to say about wicketkeeping?

I like wicketkeeping very much. It feels good that the ball is coming to me. The ball comes to the keeper most of the times in the match. I enjoy wicketkeeping more than batting. Because of wicketkeeping, I have got a lot of help in batting also. When we are bowling first, I understand what is the change in the wicket and play the shots in the same way.

Experience of meeting Mahendra Singh Dhoni?

I have always been a big fan of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Last year I had a chance to talk to him and I asked him what’s your mindset when you go in? He had said, ‘You just play by looking at the ball. And there is no need to think about anything at all. Whatever pressure is coming is coming from outside.

You have to think about how to play shots against the bowler and prepare in the same way. You do not need to put too much pressure on yourself and play freely without thinking anything.

Indian dressing room experience

I played for them when South Africa toured India A. I was staring at everyone who was next to me. Rohit bhaiya was on my right and Virat Kohli was on my left. Everyone was here. That atmosphere itself was quite different. You can see what those people have achieved in their life.

What are the expectations from the England series?

I am looking forward to playing against Joe Root because last year he was in Rajasthan Royals. If I get a chance and I debut for the Indian team, the biggest thing will be that I am playing against a team like England. Since childhood, it is your dream to play international cricket and that too against big teams.

I will enjoy keeping wickets against Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja, Bumrah, Siraj and Avesh Khan and I am fully prepared for the upcoming challenge.