Dhruv Jurel opens up on 'gun' celebration after scoring maiden Test century: 'Would like to dedicate this to them'

Dhruv Jurel brought out a “gun” celebration of his own on Friday after completing his maiden international century on Day 2 of the first Test between India and West Indies in Ahmedabad. And speaking to reporters after the day’s play, with the hosts sitting pretty at 448/5 after bowling Windies out for just 162, the wicketkeeper-batter explained his century celebration as his way of paying tribute to the Indian armed forces.

Jurel dedicates Ahmedabad heroics to father and Indian armed forces

Jurel had earlier celebrated going past fifty for the second time in what is still a nascent international career with a salute – which he dedicated to his father Nem Singh Jurel, a Kargil war veteran.

“The salute (celebration) after reaching my fifty was for my father, but for the hundred… it was something that I had in my mind for a very long time because I have been so close to the Indian Army. I’ve seen my father since I was a child… What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield is very difficult, and you cannot compare that,” Jurel told reporters during the press conference after stumps.

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“They (Indian Army) will always have my respect, and whatever I will do in the future will be for them. I would like to dedicate this to them. I have seen them closely and I remain very fascinated,” the Rajasthan Royals star added.

A moment to cherish forever! 🥳

Special scenes 📹 in Ahmedabad as Dhruv Jurel notches up a maiden Test 💯

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Indian batters stamp their authority on West Indies

Jurel, who had made his Test debut against England at home last year, had brought up his maiden Test hundred with a boundary off West Indies skipper Roston Chase in the 116th over. He would then shift gears after reaching the milestone, collecting three fours and a six off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican’s bowling.

His marathon innings finally came to an end shortly before stumps, with Khary Pierre dismissing him to collect his maiden Test wicket. Jurel, who was caught-behind off the left-arm spinner’s bowling, had added 206 in a mammoth fifth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja at that point, steering the hosts past 400 and putting them in complete control.

All-rounder Jadeja would complete his century – his sixth in the Test format – shortly after, and would end the day unbeaten on 104. Senior opener KL Rahul was also among the centurions in Ahmedabad, scoring his first Test century on home soil since his 199 against England in Chennai nearly nine years ago.