Fans applaud 'lone warrior' Dhruv Jurel against SRH in Qualifier 2

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Qualifier 2 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium was a gripping contest between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite Dhruv Jurel’s valiant effort, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls, RR fell short by 36 runs. This win propelled SRH, led by Pat Cummins, to the final, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday.

RR won the toss and opted to bowl first, aiming to utilize the dew factor later in the match. SRH set a target of 176 runs, scoring 175/9 in their 20 overs. RR’s chase ended at 139/7, leaving them 36 runs short.

Dhruv Jurel’s Valiant Effort

Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 56 off 35 balls was the highlight of RR’s innings. His resilient performance kept RR’s hopes alive, but the lack of support from other batters proved costly. Jurel smashed seven fours and one six in a spirited knock.

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Jurel and Powell’s Partnership

Rovman Powell and Dhruv Jurel tried to rebuild the innings with a 32-run partnership. However, Powell’s dismissal in the 18th over left Jurel with too much to do.

T Natarajan dealt him the blow as he bowled a slower bouncer to Jurel, who went for an early pull, which cost him badly. He was in so much pain and no wonder he was down immediately. The RR physiotherapist checked him, and after a few minutes, Jurel stood up and kept playing until the end.

Fan Reactions

Jurel’s fighting spirit earned him praise on social media. Fans and cricket pundits lauded his resilience and determination.

Dhruv Jurel has passed the Chepauk test. Hitting cutters for boundaries at Chepauk is no joke at all. Klassen too, but for Jurel the pitch has many wears and tears. Too good. @ChennaiIPL get it done if possible.

— 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 (@SergioCSKK) May 24, 2024

Dhruv Jurel is the perfect guy to be our next Indian keeper for a long time. He has all the traits of being a star in CSK and the good thing is that his retention isn't even a guarantee either. Really hope CSK doesn't fall back from getting him.

— Yash (@CSKYash_) May 24, 2024

Fans of the Rajasthan Royals, salute Dhruv Jurel. He is your hero and saviour.

He did not win the game for you, but fought until the end. pic.twitter.com/JQLS4b7gQm

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) May 24, 2024

Well fought Dhruv Jurel, stood there when everyone left. A innings to remember 👏🏻🔥 pic.twitter.com/pc0FbWoMNL

— Pr𝕏tham (@Prxtham_18) May 24, 2024

Dhruv Jurel today pic.twitter.com/pcEe6wO8qa

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 24, 2024

Dhruv Jurel fighting alone against sunrisers hyderabad. #SRHvsRR pic.twitter.com/7PPzFSZlVq

— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) May 24, 2024

#SRHvsRR
Dhruv Jurel lone warrior against SRH 🗿 pic.twitter.com/OWVX3elivM

— theboysthing_ (@Theboysthing) May 24, 2024

Dhruv Jurel in his first playoffs match has surpassed Samson's playoffs legacy

W wicket keeper 🙌 Great Future ahead 👏#ipl #srh pic.twitter.com/RTGigmFjjg

— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) May 24, 2024

• HE IS THE FIGHTER.
• HE IS THE LONE WARRIOR.
• HE IS THE FEARLESS.

HE IS THE DHRUV JUREL. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QmJ0yu4neU

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) May 24, 2024

Dhruv Jurel is a capped player. Most probably he will come into the mega auction.

He is an opener. He keeps wickets. He is getting to do none of that because of insecure Sanju Samson at RR.

Hope he goes into a team that can offer him both. pic.twitter.com/oRCDHb03Yr

— Hopeful SRH fan (@GappaCricket) May 24, 2024

Dhruv Jurel 💥
Blinder of innings in this pressure chase.

— Rampy (@RiserTweex) May 24, 2024

RR’s Run Chase

Yashasvi Jaiswal gave RR a promising start, scoring 42 off 21 balls. However, the momentum shifted when Shahbaz Ahmed dismissed him. RR’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Shahbaz Ahmed’s three-wicket haul, including the crucial wickets of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, put RR in a precarious position.