NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals' surge in the ongoing Indian Premier League season reached new heights as they clinched their fourth consecutive victory, inching closer to sealing a playoff berth.
Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson and the emerging talent Dhruv Jurel orchestrated a remarkable seven-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday, underlining their team's dominance in the tournament. The highlight of the match was an unbeaten 121-run partnership between Samson and Jurel.
Amidst their triumph on the field, former India head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri showered praise on young Jurel.
While Samson's explosive innings grabbed headlines, it was Jurel's composed knock that garnered special attention, especially from Shastri.
Taking to his social media handle, Shastri hailed Jurel as a "Jewel for Indian cricket," emphasizing the young cricketer's significance not only in the present but also in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
"This Jurel is a Jewel for Indian cricket. Right now and going ahead into the future. Serious Dude," Shastri posted on his X handle.
Jurel's journey to IPL success mirrors his rapid rise in the cricketing arena. His standout performances in domestic cricket earned him a maiden Test call-up for India's series against England, where he made an immediate impact with his consistent displays both with the bat and behind the stumps.
Despite facing occasional setbacks in the IPL, Jurel's talent and potential remain undeniable. His ability to adapt and contribute in pressure situations adds depth to the Rajasthan Royals' lineup and bolsters their quest for IPL glory.
1/10:Rajasthan beat Lucknow to near playoffs
ANI
2/10:Royals beat Giants
<p>Skipper Sanju Samson hit an unbeaten 71 as Rajasthan Royals all but confirmed their playoff spot with a seven-wicket hammering of Lucknow Super Giants. </p>AFP
3/10:115-run stand
<p>Hosts Lucknow posted 196-5 courtesy a 76 by skipper KL Rahul and his 115-run stand with Deepak Hooda, who made 50. </p>AFP
4/10:Sandeep Sharma
<p>Lucknow lost two early wickets after Trent Boult bowled Quinton de Kock for 8 and Sandeep Sharma bowled Marcus Stoinis for a duck. </p>AP
5/10:Solid footing
<p>Rahul and Hooda gave LSG a solid footing with a 62-ball 115-run stand for the third wicket after the early blows. </p>AFP
6/10:Rahul and Hooda
<p>Rahul and Hooda steadied the innings and then hit back but the effort was not enough. </p>TNN
7/10:Royals win
<p>Dhruv Jurel, who hit 52, and Samson steered table-toppers Rajasthan home with one over to spare for their eighth win in nine matches. </p>AP
8/10:Brisk start
<p>Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals had stumbled from a brisk start to hand the advantage to the home side. </p>AFP
9/10:Match-winning stand
<p>Samson and Jurel put on a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls stand for the unconquered fourth wicket to take their side over the line. </p>PTI
