'Visualisation keeps me ready' - Jurel after maiden Test ton

Dhruv Jurel may have found a place in the Indian XI for the Test series against West Indies courtesy the injury that Rishabh Pant suffered during the England series. But the wicketkeeper-bat made the most of the opportunity by slamming his maiden Test century on the second day's play in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Even as Jurel has spent his share of time on the bench, he credited his behind-the scenes preparation for the result he was able to deliver for the team.

"I do a lot of visualisation," Jurel confessed at the end of second day's play. "If I am playing or not, I do visualisation. If I am playing, I think about how I would approach the situation. Then, when I play a game, it feels as if I already know this situation, I don't feel anything new. I know what that situation feels like. I visualise everything - walking in, taking stance, taking leg guard, everything. I am always prepared for all the bowlers I'm supposed to face. Whether I am playing or not playing, I try to be ready.

"Scenario visualisation [helps my preparation]. Scenarios like if he is putting his left arm, I will visualise the field setting, the gaps, where I can play. In the longer format, I try to find risk-free ways of scoring runs. I feel that if you play risk-free cricket, your team will be in a good situation."

Since making his Test debut, Jurel has featured in only five Tests. He admitted that despite having to spend a long time on the bench over the last one year, he has found ways to keep himself motivated.

"I just stick to my routines, go to the gym. I do what I can - batting and keeping practice, stay disciplined. The usual. Sometimes, the thought crosses my mind - 'it's not happening, what's going on?' But I try to keep myself motivated and keep at it.

"To even be with the squad is a matter of privilege, even if you don't get a chance to play. How many players even get an opportunity to be in the squad? How many even get a chance to play Test cricket? I'm glad to be with the squad. Even if I'm not playing, I keep working hard. I am aware that opportunity would come one day, and I want to be hundred percent ready to deliver on that day."

The 206-run stand he added with Ravindra Jadeja on Day 2 has helped India stretch the lead to 286 runs with five wickets still in hand. Jurel is uncertain for how long India will continue to bat, but admitted that the pitch got better for the batters as the day progressed.

"The wicket has become very good, It is getting better (to bat on). There are some patches outside due to the footmarks from where it's turning. There is not much turn coming from the stump line.

"When I was batting with Jaddu bhai, the discussion was over how far can we stretch the lead and how many runs can we add with minimal risk. Since we were set, it was easy to make runs for us. We just needed a good, healthy lead, and we already have a lead of 286 runs. Now, let's see what the decision will be. Whatever the decision is, I am okay with it, I guess."

Jurel marked his landmark century with a unique gesture wherein he held his bat vertically and moved it to his left. Explaining the reason, he said that it was a dedication to the Indian Army, where his father served.

"The celebration when I scored my fifty, the salute, was for my father," he confessed, before adding, "But the celebration for my hundred was something I had thought about for a long time. I'm very close to the Indian army because of my father. What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield, you can't compare the two. So there is a lot of respect for them.

"Even later, if I score a century, it will be dedicated to them. I've watched them very closely, and am fascinated by them. I keep asking my father about the Indian army. So I'm very happy that I'm able to dedicate (my achievements) to those who deserve it."