Gautam Gambhir's aura makes everyone feel pumped up: Dhruv Jurel

India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has lauded head coach Gautam Gambhir for the energy and support he brings to the team. Jurel missed out on India’s 15-member Asia Cup 2025 squad, where Sanju Samson and IPL champion Jitesh Sharma were preferred as wicketkeepers in the absence of Rishabh Pant.

Named among the reserves, Jurel said Gambhir’s presence lifts the players, instilling confidence and a winning mindset that keeps him motivated despite the setback.

Also Read: Who is Jatinder Singh? Oman's Punjab-born captain set for Asia Cup debut

"If you are around him, you always feel motivated. You feel pumped up. The kind of energy and aura he has, like I said, when he comes into the huddle and speaks, everyone gets pumped up. It feels really good. He makes you feel like, 'We are going in, we are the best, and we are the ones who will win. That's the kind of feeling he gives,” said Jurel on the YouTube show Breaking Sports with Vivek Sethia.

Jurel also spoke about the personal support he receives from the coach. "And personally, he always comes to me and says, 'You can talk to me anytime, you can call me anytime, and I will always back you. Just keep your head down and work hard. I will always stand behind you.’ That feels really good. You feel confident when a coach of the Indian team talks to you like that," he added.

Jurel’s international career in T20Is has been brief, with just four matches so far. Jitesh Sharma, meanwhile, earned his place as the second wicket-keeper in the squad after a sensational IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who won the title for the first time. Jitesh, on the other hand, has played 9 T20Is and was last seen playing against Afghanistan in January 2024.

Despite his Asia Cup snub, Jurel remains focused on improving his game and taking guidance from Gambhir. With the Asia Cup approaching, Jurel is determined to make the most of his opportunities and push for a spot in the national team in the future.