'It was for my father': Dhruv Jurel reveals reason behind salute celebration in fourth India-England Test

Promising young batter Dhruv Jurel on Sunday shone in front of the crowd at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, with a knock of 90 off 149 deliveries on Day three of the fourth Test against England. And when Jurel had got to his half century in 96 deliveries, he celebrated the milestone with a salute. Later, Jurel clarified that the salute was meant for his father, who had fought in the Kargil war back in 1999.

“It was for my father. He is a Kargil veteran. Yesterday I spoke and he indirectly said ‘Son, at least show me a salute’. That is what I have been doing all my growing up years. It was for him,” Jurel said at the press conference at the end of day’s play on Sunday.

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Jurel believes that nothing comes without hard work and reiterated the fact that his father had immense belief in his abilities. “I haven’t spoken to them yet. Let me speak today. (On debut) Obviously it was great, it was a dream from a young age, and as you said (shut everyone’s mouth) so that is done. So, I keep working hard because it is worth it and my dad believed in me,” added Dhruv.

Jurel came into bat with India’s score reading 161/5, and was involved in a 76-run stand with Kuldeep Yadav for the eighth wicket. Both Jurel and Kuldeep are from Uttar Pradesh and the former complimented the understanding between both of them during the partnership. “We both are from UP, we had an understanding, even during domestic so that was helpful,” said the 23-year-old.

Jurel, playing his debut Test, could have got to his century but was dismissed for 90 by Tom Hartley. However, the youngster says he is not thinking too much on missing out on the ton. “I am not worried too much about century, this is my debut series. I am desperate to lift the trophy in my hands, to play Test cricket was one big dream for me,” continued the wicketkeeper-batter.

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar had words of praise for Jurel and even called the youngster the next MS Dhoni in the making. “Obviously good feeling to hear legend like Sunil Gavaskar talk about me. The mood was great, there were no specific instructions and just to go and play. Watch the ball and play. Just that the long I play the better it is,” said Jurel.

India were set a target of 192 to win the Test as well as clinch the series, after England were all out for 145 in the second innings. The hosts were 40/0 at stumps on Day three with Rohit Sharma (24*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16*) at the crease. India lead the five-match series 2-1.