In a memorable moment on Day 2 of the Ahmedabad Test, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel scored his maiden Test century against the West Indies. As the ball raced past mid-wicket for four, securing his hundred, Jurel performed a poignant army march drill with his bat. This powerful gesture was a direct tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and, more specifically, to his father, Nem Chand, a retired army havildar who bravely fought in the Kargil war of 1999.
Jurel explained that while his half-century celebration involves a simple salute for his father, the elaborate army drill was specifically reserved for reaching the coveted three-figure mark. He expressed profound respect for the military, stating, “What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield is very difficult and you cannot compare that. I will always have my respect, and whatever I will do in the future will be for them. I would like to dedicate this to the Indian Army for what they do.”
Having spent significant time on the bench due to Rishabh Pant typically donning the keeping gloves, Jurel had to patiently await his opportunity to showcase this special celebration. Despite the wait, he views his involvement with the national team as an immense privilege. He emphasized his process-driven nature, highlighting his dedication to hard work and visualization. Even when not in the playing XI, Jurel maintains a constant state of mental readiness. “I keep imagining what I would do against so and so bowler, so that when I actually get a chance, I feel that I am ready and well prepared,” he shared.
Jurel also acknowledged the crucial guidance he received from England’s cricketing maestro, Joe Root, during their time as teammates at Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 IPL season. He recounted Root’s simple yet profound advice on maintaining consistency: “Whenever I feel there is something that I need to chat about, I go to him as to what I can do with my batting and he gives simple answers as to how I can play and tackle situations. He told me as a batter it is difficult to remain consistent, but if you keep doing the same things every day and stay disciplined, you will get the results.”