Dhruv Jurel marked a memorable moment in the ongoing first Test against West Indies by scoring a confident fifty, making the most of the opportunity with Rishabh Pant sidelined due to injury. He completed his fifty in a 91-ball effort, with the final push coming off Justin Greaves, who delivered a short-of-length ball that Jurel steered behind square. As the runs brought up his fifty, the wicketkeeper-batter celebrated in style.
Jurel’s celebration immediately caught attention on social media. The salute has now become his signature gesture, first seen during his maiden Test fifty against England in February at Ranchi. He also used the salute after scoring a fifty for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024.Watch his celebration here The gesture holds deep personal significance. Jurel’s father, Nem Chand, is a retired Havildar of the Indian Army who participated in the 1999 Kargil War. The salute, Jurel has explained in past interviews, is a tribute to his father’s service. This fifty marked only Jurel’s second in Test cricket, and his calm, assured innings has strengthened calls for his continued presence in the team as a specialist batter, even when Pant returns.
Poll
Should Dhruv Jurel keep his place in the team even when Rishabh Pant returns?
At tea on Day 2 of the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India were comfortably placed at 326 for 4 in 96 overs, leading West Indies by 164 runs. Jurel, notching his second Test fifty, was unbeaten on 68 off 127 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 50 off 81 deliveries, helping India solidify their position in this Test.
