From Kargil Hero's Son To Cricket Star: Dhruv Jurel's Journey Through Coach Phool Chand's Lens

In 2014, a young teenager stood alone outside the office of Noida's most renowned cricket coach, Phool Chand, requesting admission to his academy. "Before I could ask anything, the boy said, 'Sir my name is Dhruv Jurel and please take me in your academy'," the coach recalled, noting the quiet confidence in the teenager.

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Phool Chand meets Dhruv Jurel: their first encounter

From The Huddle! ?

A Test cap is special! ?

Words of wisdom from Anil Kumble & Dinesh Karthik that Sarfaraz Khan & Dhruv Jurel will remember for a long time ?? ??

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On Thursday, as Jurel debuted as an Indian Test cricketer, Phool Chand vividly remembered every detail of that day, becoming emotional as memories flooded back. A day later, Jurel impressed with a patient knock of 46 off 104 balls, partnering with Ravichandran Ashwin to add 77 runs for the eighth wicket.

"For a teacher, can there be a bigger day than seeing his student excel? He is the first among my students to play Test cricket and second after pacer Shivam Mavi to play international cricket," Phool Chand, who operates his academy in Sector 71, Noida, told PTI,

Recalling the day Dhruv approached him, Phool Chand noted, "I didn't see any parent accompanying him. I thought maybe he is a local boy from Noida but then he said, 'Sir, I have come all alone from Agra and the friend who had promised to arrange my accommodation at his house isn't picking up the call'."

Phool Chand's support for Dhruv Jurel's growth

Phool Chand's initial reaction was to get in touch with Dhruv's father, retired Army personnel Nem Chand, who had served in the Kargil war in 1999. Phool Chand believed that Dhruv was extraordinary when he saw a 13-year-old boy travelling alone. He arranged for Dhruv to stay in a hostel to commence his cricket journey.

"In my academy, if you have merit, it won't matter if you are a rickshaw puller's son or a minister's son," emphasised Phool Chand. "Dhruv was very hardworking from an early age and also had talent."

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For Dhruv, whose mother pawned her gold jewellery to buy his first cricket kit, Phool Chand ensured no talented kid with limited resources worried about equipment in his academy.

"If I know that a boy can make the grade, I provide him with the best equipment from my pocket," he added.

Coach's confidence in Dhruv Jurel's Potential

"In the case of Jurel, what helped him develop a sound temperament, which everyone noticed in two seasons of IPL for Rajasthan Royals, is the number of matches and tournaments that he played around Delhi NCR."

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"He has performed at all levels, from U19 state to the national team," said Phool Chand, expressing confidence in Dhruv's success at the highest level.

"I had messaged him early in the morning that, 'Is din ko yaadgar banana' (make this day memorable), and he said, 'Main apna best dunga, sir' (I will give my best, sir)."

(With inputs from PTI)

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