Dhruv Shorey has developed into one of the most reliable batters in the Indian domestic circuit. The right-hander, who has feature for Delhi and Vidarbha, has scored 5,455 runs in first-class cricket in 77 matches. His average reads a healthy 48.70, and has scored 15 centuries and 24 fifties. He has also scored 3,227 runs in 81 List A matches, averaging 44.81.
Shorey made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi in the 2015-16 season of the tournament. During his tenure there, he has played with two icons of Indian cricket in current national team head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the batting stalwart Virat Kohli.
Shorey described Gambhir, who was in the final few years of his domestic career, as a mentor and experienced presence in the side, who would help and guide the players. Shorey also recounted how he was made captain of the Delhi side during Gambhir’s last match, against Andhra.
Shorey also described Kohli‘s work ethic and intensity on the field, which he is able to maintain throughout practice sessions and matches. He described Kohli as a true role model for athletes to mould their careers on and labelled him as an example for himself and his Delhi teammates.
In a candid conversation with CricTracker, Shorey revealed his experiences of playing with Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, highlighting their impacts on his careers.
Excerpts from the Interview
How did you handle Gautam Gambhir as a teammate when you were captain? Have you received any advice from him?
“It was nothing about handling, you know. He was the one who used to mentor us. He used to talk about, you know, captaining, you know, how do you think as a captain. And it was the first time I became the captain when he was there. It was his last match, actually, against Andhra, I remember. And I have batted with him a lot. I’ve played with him a lot. And he’s been a great, great mentor to us. You know, a lot of people in Delhi cricket. And just to be with him and share the dressing room with him, and for a long time, and even share the wicket and share the pitch with him. It’s been altogether a different experience. And he used to tell us, you know, how do you think like a captain? How do you think like a leader? And how do you think out of the box as well? So, it was really, really… We had a really good time.”
You once called Virat Kohli ‘unmatchable’ for what he’s done for Indian cricket. As someone who watched his rise up close through the Delhi circuit, what is the biggest thing you learned from his evolution?
“You know, it’s just the consistency. It’s a very common word, but very less used. The way he’s consistent about everything he does, you know, it’s an example in front of the world. You know, it’s not me. It’s not any other cricketers. Everyone knows how consistent he is and the life he lives, what we see. And the way, whenever he comes to the ground, the intensity he brings in the field, it’s unmatchable. You know, I haven’t seen anyone get that intensity in the ground and push, you know, for the first and the same day for the 200th and for the same day. And just put the same effort in the field while fielding. That has been an example for all of us, you know, how to play for such an intensity. So, his consistency for his game, for his work ethics, that’s unmatchable. That’s something, you know, a lot of people have to, you know, as cricketers we learn.”
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