IND vs WI 1st Test: Dhruv Jurel scores maiden Test century and dedicates celebration to his father

Divy Dubey

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IND vs WI 1st Test: Dhruv Jurel scores maiden Test century and dedicates celebration to his father image

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India's opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad has brought a fresh talking point for the team's long-term plans. After KL Rahul set the tone with a century, another name pushed his case into the spotlight.

Dhruv Jurel - relatively new to the international stage, delivered an innings that may redefine his role in the side. The keeper-batter had already hinted at his promise with India A but this knock on Day 2 ensured that his credentials at the highest level can't be overlooked.

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Dhruv Jurel scores maiden Test hundred in Ahmedabad during IND vs WI 1st Test

Walking in at No. 5 with India already in control, Jurel drove the innings with maturity well beyond his experience. He scored his century off 190 balls - finishing on 125 and shared crucial partnerships - first with KL Rahul and later with Ravindra Jadeja to push India firmly ahead.

This marked Jurel's first century in Test cricket and his second fifty-plus score at this level - following his 90 against England in Ranchi last year. Across six Tests, he now averages above 37.

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Dhruv Jurel dedicated the celebration to his father

The moment was made more special by Jurel's celebration. After reaching his fifty, he raised his bat and offered a salute - a gesture he has now made his own.

The tribute carries personal weight: Jurel's father - Nem Chand, is a retired Havildar who served in the 1999 Kargil War. The salute - as Jurel has shared before, is his way of honouring his father's service.

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Let's take a look at his celebration after hitting a hundred below.

Dhruv Jurel joins elite list of Indian wicket-keepers against West Indies

By reaching three figures, Jurel entered a select group of Indian wicket-keepers to score a century against the West Indies at home. MS Dhoni (144, Kolkata 2011) and Farokh Engineer (109, Chennai 1967) are the only others on that list.

With Rishabh Pant sidelined by injury, Jurel has seized his chance to step out of the shadow of being a backup and present himself as a serious batting option for India in the longest format.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.