Dhruv Jurel revealed his Kargil War veteran father's request after unleashing special ‘salute’ celebration post cracking a match-saving maiden Test fifty in the ongoing fourth match England in Ranchi.
Walking out in the middle when India were reeling at 161/5, Jurel propelled the Men in Blue to a score of 307 with a tenacious 90-run innings, including a crucial 76-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav. Throughout the India versus England Test series, India's young talents have consistently risen to the occasion. Initially, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who amassed over 634 runs, followed by Shubman Gill's performances in Vizag and Rajkot, and now, 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has stepped up. Jurel's commanding 90 runs, batted in concert with the lower order, played a pivotal role in rescuing India during the fourth Test in Ranchi.
The highlight, however, was his unique celebration upon reaching his first Test half-century. After taking a single off Tom Hartley to reach the milestone, the right-hander paid tribute with a ‘salute’ gesture. This act was later unveiled to be in honor of his father, a Kargil War veteran, as a mark of respect for his father's service to the country. Jurel disclosed the significance of his salute after the day's play concluded.
Dhruv Jurel fulfills father's wish
“My father indirectly told me yesterday, ‘Ek salute to dikha de (show me the salute once)’. He was a Kargil War veteran, so my celebrations were for him,” Dhruv Jurel said in the post-match press conference.
During the post-innings analysis, it was disclosed that the salute gesture was dedicated to his father, a former Havildar who participated in the 1999 Kargil war and opted for early retirement from the military in 2008.
Dhruv Jurel comes to India's rescue
By the close of the second day, India found themselves in a difficult position, with the day decidedly swinging in England's favor. The home team was in dire need of a turnaround, which Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav spectacularly provided in Ranchi, delivering a performance that evoked memories of the legendary MS Dhoni. Jurel, who has openly expressed his admiration for Dhoni, hoped to meet the former Indian captain after the game. His display was so reminiscent of Dhoni's style that even Sunil Gavaskar drew comparisons, as Jurel and Kuldeep forged an extraordinary partnership to steer India out of trouble.
Jurel skillfully countered the England attack, choosing his shots wisely, while Kuldeep offered crucial support, contributing 28 runs from 131 balls before his dismissal in a stroke of bad luck.
Reaching his half-century in 96 deliveries, Jurel then intensified his attack against the English spinners, who had dominated the second day. He quickly advanced to 90 runs, on the verge of scoring his first century at Dhoni's home ground. However, Hartley's delivery brought an end to Jurel's impressive innings, but not before significantly reducing England's lead to 46. Despite England maintaining a lead, the momentum had shifted to India, prompting Rohit Sharma to employ his spinners in an attempt to dismiss England for a low score.
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