Dhruv Jurel wants to return from New Zealand with wins for India A and valuable preparation for the senior Test series. Named captain for the tour, the Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter sees the assignment as another step towards his ambition of becoming a regular in India’s playing XI.
Speaking to rajasthanroyals.com, Jurel says: “It’s a proud feeling to be trusted to lead India A.”
“I want to contribute personally and help the team come back with wins.”
Leadership lessons from the Lucknow comeback
Jurel has already led India A through a remarkable turnaround. Against Australia A in Lucknow in September 2025, his side chased 412 to secure a five-wicket victory, completing the highest successful fourth-innings chase by an ‘A’ team.
India A had been bowled out for 185 after Australia A scored 420 in their first innings. For Jurel, responding to that setback was an important test of leadership.
“You have to give yourself a chance to get back into the game. As captain, I want to keep everyone focused on what we can do next. There’s still a match to play, and our effort has to reflect that.”
Centuries from KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan laid the foundation for the chase, with Jurel contributing 56.
“Rahul bhai and Sai’s hundreds gave us the opportunity to win. When I went in, I wanted to contribute to that effort and keep the partnership moving.”
The experience reinforced his belief that a captain must remain engaged when a match is slipping away. His approach centres on listening, giving players clarity and taking responsibility for decisions.
Wicketkeeping provides another perspective, allowing him to observe the ball’s behaviour and the batter’s reactions. But he places equal importance on understanding what his bowlers are experiencing.
Familiar faces and honest conversations
Jurel sees the senior players’ experience as a strength he can draw on in New Zealand.
“Being captain doesn’t mean you need to have every answer yourself. You need to use the knowledge around you and then make a clear decision.”
His relationship with Rahul extends beyond their partnership in Lucknow. A shared enjoyment of coffee gives them time to connect away from cricket.
“Rahul bhai is calm and easy to speak to. We both enjoy coffee, and spending time together away from the ground gives us a chance to talk about things beyond cricket.”
Time together at Rajasthan Royals and with India has also built a comfortable understanding with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“We can speak openly about our games and how we’re feeling. It’s always good to have someone around who understands you and will give you an honest opinion.”
That openness is something Jurel wants to encourage throughout the team, particularly when a player has had a difficult day.
New Zealand preparation and the ambition to become an India regular
Winning the India A matches is Jurel’s immediate objective. The tour also offers an opportunity to understand New Zealand conditions ahead of the senior Test series.
“We need to understand the conditions and learn what works there with the bat, ball and gloves. I want to return having contributed to wins and feeling better prepared to help the senior team whenever needed.”
His longer-term ambition is clear.
“I want to become someone India can depend on across conditions and match situations. I know that comes through consistent performances.
“My focus is on scoring runs when the team needs them, being reliable in the field even without the gloves, staying ready whenever I’m needed to keep wickets, and making the most of every opportunity.”
India A tour of New Zealand: dates and squad
India A will play three four-day matches against New Zealand A from October 24 to November 10, 2026. The first match takes place in Lincoln from October 24-27, followed by the second in Christchurch from October 31-November 3. The final match will be played in Lincoln from November 7-10.
India A squad: Dhruv Jurel (captain, wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper; subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudarsan, Yash Rathod and Mukesh Kumar.
