There are cricket stories that rise steadily and then there are those that fight every inch of the way. Dhruv Jurel’s journey belongs firmly to the second kind. From a boy in Agra who once threatened to leave home for a cricket bat to a Test centurion carrying India’s middle order on his shoulders, his rise has been shaped by stubborn belief, family sacrifice and an unshakeable sense of purpose. At a time when young cricketers arrive with private coaches and polished pathways, Jurel’s story feels raw, emotional and deeply Indian. It is about a mother who sold her gold chain, a father who swallowed taunts from neighbours and a teenager who learned early that dreams often demand uncomfortable choices. That context makes his growing success even
more fascinating. With international runs now backing his reputation, Jurel’s lifestyle is beginning to reflect his progress. Homes across Uttar Pradesh, a sharp taste in watches, a rapidly rising salary graph and the quiet pride of repaying old sacrifices define this phase of his life. Yet beneath the numbers and possessions sits a cricketer who still salutes the Indian Army every time he celebrates, a reminder of where he comes from and who made it possible.
Dhruv Jurel: A Test hundred that announced his arrival
Dhruv Jurel’s first Test century came at a moment India badly needed calm and control. His composed hundred helped India reach 448 for 5 by stumps on day two, creating a lead that shaped the match decisively. It was not just the runs that impressed but the authority. On February 15, 2024, he made his Test debut during the third Test against England in Rajkot, becoming the 312th player to represent India in the format. From that moment, Jurel shifted from being a promising name to a dependable presence.
Dhruv Jurel: Early life shaped by discipline and disruption
Born on January 21, 2001 in Agra, he grew up in a household governed by military discipline. His father Nem Singh Jurel served in the Indian Army and is a Kargil war veteran. The family’s life was structured, cautious and practical, which made the idea of professional cricket difficult to accept.
At the age of five, Jurel underwent plastic surgery after his left leg was caught under a bus tyre, an early brush with adversity that toughened him. Cricket entered his life during a school summer camp where watching other children play sparked a curiosity that soon became obsession. Financial reality, however, remained a constant obstacle. When Jurel was 14, his father took out a loan to buy him a Kashmir willow bat worth Rs 2000 while his mother pawned her only gold necklace to fund his kit. That act would later become the emotional anchor of his entire career.
Dhruv Jurel: Nearly running away to chase a dream
The tension between duty and desire reached a breaking point when Jurel threatened to run away from home after being denied a bat due to money constraints. His father wanted him to prepare for the NDA or a government job. Cricket seemed too risky.
It was his mother who stepped in decisively. She sold her gold chain without hesitation and backed her son’s dream. Years later, Jurel told Hindustan Times that only with maturity did he realise the weight of that sacrifice and how it hardened his resolve to succeed.
Dhruv Jurel: From Agra to Noida in search of opportunity
Jurel’s talent quickly outgrew local grounds in Agra. He moved to train at a cricket academy in Noida, commuting regularly until the strain became overwhelming. Once again, his mother made a quiet but life changing decision and shifted to Noida with him so he could train properly.
He progressed through Uttar Pradesh’s Under 14, Under 16 and Under 19 teams, eventually earning the vice captaincy of India’s Under 19 squad for the 2020 World Cup where India finished runners up.
Dhruv Jurel: Domestic grind and IPL breakthrough
Dhruv Jurel made his T20 debut for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2021. His first class debut followed in February 2022 during the Ranji Trophy. That same year, Rajasthan Royals picked him up at a base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL auction. Opportunities were slow at first. Jurel did not feature in his debut season, but the franchise stayed patient. His IPL debut finally arrived in April 2023 against Punjab Kings where he smashed an unbeaten 32 off 15 balls. The knock changed perceptions instantly. The introduction of the Impact Player rule proved decisive. Batting lower down the order, Jurel delivered fearless cameos against RCB and CSK, earning a regular place in the XI. Training for hours each day at the Royals academy sharpened his power hitting and match awareness.
Dhruv Jurel: Leadership and the next step
In August 2025, Jurel was named captain of the Central Zone team for the Duleep Trophy, underlining how quickly his stature has grown within domestic cricket. In white ball formats too, his recent Vijay Hazare Trophy knock of 160 off 101 balls reinforced his credentials as a future all format contender.
Dhruv Jurel: Homes rooted in memory and success
Dhruv Jurel’s real estate choices reflect both sentiment and success. His hometown Agra house remains deeply personal, featuring a glass cabinet displaying his cricket trophies, a reminder of how far he has come. He owns a residence in Meerut valued at around Rs 2 crore. According to HT, properties in this bracket in the region reflect a move towards long term stability rather than flashy indulgence. Noida holds emotional significance rather than luxury value. It was here that his mother relocated to support his training. Jurel has also celebrated moving into a home at Trecento Residences by Gaurs in Gaur City, indicating an association with premium housing in the NCR region.
Dhruv Jurel: Cars that reflect a grounded taste
Unlike many young stars, Jurel has not built a sprawling car collection. His most talked about vehicle is an MG Hector SUV gifted by MG Motors following his match winning performance in the Ranchi Test.
According to Sportskeeda, the MG Hector in India is priced in the range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 22 lakh depending on variant. The gift symbolised recognition rather than indulgence, aligning with Jurel’s understated public persona.
Dhruv Jurel: Watches and a touch of quiet luxury
Dhruv Jurel owns a Cartier Santos watch, a classic piece known for its aviation inspired design. According to GQ, the Cartier Santos in India costs around Rs 10,10,000. It is a restrained choice, favouring heritage over hype and fitting neatly with his personality.
Dhruv Jurel: Salary, IPL earnings and net worth
Jurel’s financial graph has risen sharply in a short span. He earns approximately Rs 2.5 lakh per month, translating to around Rs 30 lakh annually outside of tournament earnings. His IPL salary saw a dramatic jump when Rajasthan Royals retained him ahead of the 2025 mega auction. He earned Rs 14 crore in the 2025 season, a significant leap from Rs 20 lakh the previous year. According to HT and Sportskeeda, this retention reflected his growing value as a finisher and wicketkeeper.
Dhruv Jurel’s overall net worth is estimated at around 120,000 dollars, roughly translating to Rs 1 crore, though this figure is expected to climb rapidly with continued international appearances and endorsements.
Dhruv Jurel: A family that carried the weight quietly
Jurel’s father Nem Singh Jurel endured years of taunts from neighbours who felt cricket would ruin his son’s life. His support came silently, through patience and belief rather than public approval. One of the most emotional moments of Jurel’s career came when his parents attended an IPL match in Jaipur. After watching his son shine, his father turned to his mother and said her gold chain had finally been repaid. For Dhruv Jurel, that moment mattered more than any applause.
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