'He has four or five levels to unlock': Rayudu on Jurel's batting potential
New Delhi, May 20
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Dhruv Jurel possesses extraordinary potential but still has 'four or five levels to unlock' in his batting after the wicketkeeper-batter's unbeaten knock helped Rajasthan Royals secure a seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
Chasing a daunting 221-run target at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, RR completed the chase with five balls to spare. While teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi grabbed headlines with a breathtaking 93 off just 38 balls, Jurel's unbeaten 53 under pressure earned widespread praise for the calmness, game awareness, and composure he showed during the chase.
Rayudu said Jurel already has the qualities of a complete batter and could become an even more dangerous T20 player if he improves his ball-striking ability further.
"I think he has at least four or five levels to unlock in his batting. He is one guy I feel who has extraordinary potential. He is so clean, so neat. He has such a good technique. He just needs to free up his bat swing a little bit. I'm sure he will work with coaches during the off-season or whenever he gets time and become a much better ball striker than he is right now," Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo.
He also highlighted Jurel's comfort against pace and spin, along with his awareness between the wickets, saying the RR batter already looks like a complete package.
"His temperament is top-class. His play against pace, he is so comfortable. There are so many good things, he steps out, he plays the spin well, reads the length well, he runs well between the wickets. I think he is a complete package that just needs to be properly unlocked and probably trained," he added.
Jurel has scored 420 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2026. He has also scored five half-centuries so far at a strike rate of 150.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Absolutely love how Jurel handles pressure, especially in chases. But let's be real—Rayudu's comment about 'four or five levels' feels a bit like an uncle ji giving advice at a wedding. Jurel is already top-class; some players just need time, not unlocking. 😅
Wake up people! We have found our future Test wicketkeeper. Jurel's technique is solid, his temperament is gold, and he's still only 23. With Rayudu's guidance and the RR setup, he could become a generational talent. The 'levels to unlock' comment is spot on—he's like a hidden level in a video game. 🎮
As someone who follows cricket from afar, Jurel's rise has been impressive. But let's not hype him too much—he's scored only 420 runs in 13 matches, which is decent but not extraordinary. The 'levels to unlock' comment sounds like an excuse for underperformance. Let him prove it consistently first.
Rayudu is absolutely right—Jurel has that 'cool cucumber' vibe under pressure, which is rare in young Indian batters. But I hope he doesn't get overcoached. Sometimes too much 'unlocking' can ruin natural talent. Just let him play his game and keep backing him. 🙏
The way Jurel stepped up in that 221-run chase was amazing—he played like a seasoned pro. But let's not forget Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 93 off 38 balls was the real game-changer. Jurel
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