Dhruv Jurel shows shades of vintage MS Dhoni in Dharamsala, RR star says 'elated to replicate him'

After young wicket-keeper phenomenon Dhruv Jurel hit an astonishing six to end the match and help his side, Rajasthan Royals, stay in the qualification race, several fans saw a glimpse of another wicket-keeper batter that did something similar back in 2010. Chennai Super Kings captain and Indian legend MS Dhoni did something similar against the same opponent and at the very same venue. The former Indian captain hit a six against the Punjab Kings in the very last over to help his side, CSK, emerge victorious in a high-scoring affair. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN.

The @rajasthanroyals stay alive in the season courtesy of a remarkable chase 🙌#RR clinch a 4-wicket victory in Dharamsala 👏🏻👏🏻

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/3cqivbD81R #TATAIPL | #PBKSvRR pic.twitter.com/rXvH1o0uf1

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 19, 2023

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Jurel, much like Dhoni, is a wicketkeeper batter and even plays the role of a finisher for RR. As if those were not enough to show his respect and love for the legend, Jurel also uses the same Reebok bat that Dhoni did back in 2010 against Punjab.

The Agra-born youngster has previously expressed his admiration for Thala and reiterated the same again after his memorable six. On him playing the role of a finisher as his idol, he said, “Dhoni, in my opinion, is the greatest finisher the game of cricket has ever seen, he is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Much like me, he is a wicketkeeper-batsman, and to be compared to such a legend of the game fills me with pride. I was also elated about the fact that I was able to replicate him in that moment and finish the game in style with a six.” said Jurel, on being considered with Dhoni after he finished the game for his side.

“I always look up to MS Dhoni sir . I talked to him during our game vs CSK . He gave me great tips on how to finish well . I implemented those tips here and thankfully won it for my team . Huge credit to Mahi sir”.

– Dhruv Jurel 🎤 pic.twitter.com/8cVQRHvcje

— Mufaddal Vohra (@BotOfDhoni) May 19, 2023

Dhruv Jurel on his mindset while batting in the final overs

When asked about what was going through his head as he was batting in the final overs of the match, he said, “I was just concentrating on securing the victory for the team in the final overs. I wanted to be on strike in the 19th over because I was confident in my ability to finish the game. In the last few balls, I was visualizing myself hitting a six and finishing the game, which helped me execute that shot in the moment and secure the victory for my team.”

Jurel, 22, is having a memorable debut season and has already played three innings where he has scored 30 or more runs and struck out more than 200. His overall strike rate this season has been 172.

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