'The Indian Army deserves it': Dhruv Jurel explains 'gun salute' century celebration

Dhruv Jurel marked a career milestone in Ahmedabad by scoring his maiden Test hundred in the opening match against West Indies. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter reached 125 off 210 balls, an innings that combined grit and patience, and was highlighted by two heartfelt celebrations.

Jurel first raised his fist to salute after reaching fifty, and later, on completing his century, imitated a guard-of-honor style gesture, holding his bat upright as a tribute. Speaking at the end of the day’s play, he said, "My fifty celebration was for my father. The hundred celebration was for the Indian army because I have seen closely how hard they work. So I will always look to dedicate it to them because they deserve it"



Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The salute has become Jurel’s signature, first seen during his maiden Test fifty against England earlier in 2024. His father, Nem Chand, is a retired Havildar of the Indian Army and a Kargil War veteran, making the gesture deeply personal.

Jurel’s knock came in the company of Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 104. Together, the pair added 206 runs for the fifth wicket, missing out narrowly on the Indian record against West Indies for that position, which belongs to VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar’s 214-run stand in Kolkata, 2002. Jurel’s innings featured 15 fours and three sixes before he edged Khary Pierre to the keeper late in the day.

Watch his century celebration here

KL Rahul also joined the run-scoring with his 11th Test century. His patient 100 off 197 balls steadied India earlier in the day after Shubman Gill fell for 50. Rahul, Jurel and Jadeja displayed contrasting styles, each bringing a unique approach as they clawed their way to their respective tons. While Rahul’s knock ended India’s long wait for a home hundred from him, Jadeja’s effort reinforced his consistency with the bat in recent months.

By stumps, India had stretched to 448 for 5 in 128 overs, holding a massive lead of 286 runs. The West Indies spinners lacked the intensity to trouble India’s middle order.

With three centuries in the same innings, India look firmly in control, and Jurel’s maiden ton and the emotional tributes, will be remembered as the standout moment of Day 2 in Ahmedabad.

Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here