Dhruv Jurel has quietly grown into one of the most reliable Indian wicketkeeper-batters in the Indian Premier League. After consistent performances for Rajasthan Royals and a strong IPL 2025 season, Jurel enters IPL 2026 as a key Indian core player, with growing responsibility and leadership potential.
With Rajasthan Royals undergoing a major rebuild ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Dhruv Jurel’s role, price, and long-term value have become one of the most talked-about aspects of the franchise’s future plans.
Dhruv Jurel IPL 2026 Team & Role
- IPL 2026 Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter (Middle Order)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Nationality: India
Following major squad changes and leadership transitions within RR, Dhruv Jurel is now seen as a core Indian player around whom the team plans to build its future batting lineup. He is also among the leading captaincy options for RR in IPL 2026.
You Can Read Also:- RR Next Captain for IPL 2026
Dhruv Jurel IPL 2026 Price
IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ₹20 Lakh | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2023 | ₹20 Lakh | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2024 | ₹20 Lakh | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2025 | ₹14.00 Crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2026 | ₹14.00 Crore (Retained Value) | Rajasthan Royals |
Dhruv Jurel’s jump from ₹20 lakh to ₹14 crore reflects the trust RR has placed in his match-finishing ability, consistency, and Indian core value. Going into IPL 2026, he remains one of the most valuable Indian wicketkeeper-batters in the league.
Dhruv Jurel IPL Career Overview
Since making his IPL debut in 2023, Jurel has shown steady improvement every season. He has transitioned from a lower-order hitter to a dependable middle-order stabilizer and finisher.
IPL Career Batting Stats (2023–2025)
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 680 | 70 | 28.33 | 153.85 | 4 | 0 |
Dhruv Jurel IPL Season-Wise Performance
IPL 2025 – Breakthrough Season
| Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 333 | 70 | 37.00 | 156.34 | 2 | 22 | 22 |
IPL 2025 was Jurel’s most impactful season. He played crucial finishing knocks and showed maturity under pressure, especially against top bowling attacks.
IPL 2024 Performance
| Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 195 | 56* | 24.38 | 138.30 |
IPL 2023 Debut Season
| Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 152 | 34* | 21.71 | 172.73 |
Dhruv Jurel Fielding & Wicketkeeping Record
Dhruv Jurel is not just a batter — his safe hands behind the stumps add huge value to the team balance.
IPL Fielding Stats
| Season | Matches | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 1 | – |
| 2024 | 15 | 11 | – |
| 2025 | 14 | 7 | – |
| Total | 42 | 19 | – |
Dhruv Jurel Records & Key Highlights
- One of RR’s most consistent Indian batters since 2023
- Strike rate above 150 across IPL career
- Proven finisher and pressure-player
- Trusted wicketkeeper with improving fielding numbers
- One of the youngest Indian players with a ₹14 crore valuation
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List
Dhruv Jurel Background & Rise
Born on 21 January 2001 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Dhruv Jurel comes from a disciplined background. His father is an army officer and Kargil war veteran, which reflects in Jurel’s calm temperament and mental toughness.
He first gained national attention by:
- Leading India U-19 to the Asia Cup title
- Serving as vice-captain in the U-19 World Cup
- Performing consistently in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh
His journey from a ₹20 lakh pick to a ₹14 crore IPL player is a story of patience, hard work, and performance.
Dhruv Jurel’s Role in Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Strategy
- Middle-order backbone
- Indian wicketkeeper option
- Possible future captain
- Long-term retention investment
- Key finisher in close matches
RR’s rebuilding phase makes Jurel one of the most important faces of the franchise going forward.
Final Verdict
Dhruv Jurel enters IPL 2026 as a mature, battle-tested, and highly valued Indian cricketer. With consistent improvement every season, strong wicketkeeping skills, and the ability to finish matches, he has become a long-term asset for Rajasthan Royals.
If his upward curve continues, IPL 2026 could be the season where Dhruv Jurel fully establishes himself among the elite Indian players of the league.
