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Dhruv Jurel Photograph: (Espncricinfo)
India’s young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel made his mark on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, smashing his maiden Test century against the West Indies and turning the emotional moment into a tribute to his war-hero father.
A Son’s Salute to a Soldier Father
As Jurel raised his bat to celebrate the landmark, he stood tall and saluted the crowd, dedicating his hundred to his father, a Kargil War veteran who served in the 1999 conflict and retired as a Havildar in the Indian Army.
The gesture wasn’t new; Jurel had earlier saluted after reaching his fifty, a consistent acknowledgment of the discipline, courage, and inspiration he inherited from his father. The video of his army-style celebration quickly went viral, winning hearts across the cricketing fraternity.
Grabbing the Opportunity with Both Hands
With Rishabh Pant still out of action, Jurel has made the most of his opportunities behind the stumps and with the bat. His calm temperament and ability to perform under pressure have already turned heads.
A moment to cherish forever! 🥳
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 3, 2025
Special scenes 📹 in Ahmedabad as Dhruv Jurel notches up a maiden Test 💯
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Earlier, in Ranchi (2024) against England, he announced himself with a crucial 90-run knock, rescuing India from a precarious position and forging a valuable stand with Kuldeep Yadav. His latest ton only reinforces his growing stature in India’s Test setup.
A Star in the Making
From the battlefield legacy of his father to the cricketing stage of Ahmedabad, Dhruv Jurel’s journey is steeped in resilience and pride. His salute was more than just a celebration; it was a tribute to service, sacrifice, and dreams fulfilled.