Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurelopened up on his unique celebration after getting to his hundred on Day 2 of the first Test between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedad on Friday, October 3.
Jurel stated that the celebration following his half-century was for his father while the one on getting to his hundred was dedicated to the Indian Army for their sacrifices and hard work. He also admitted that playing cricket was not comparable to being on the battlefield but vowed
that he will always have the Indian Army and Armed Forces in mind while contributing to Indian cricket in the future.
"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 (Nem Chand, who served the Indian Army and participated in the 1999 Kargil War) since my childhood. What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield is very different and you cannot compare that. I will always have my respect and whatever I will do in the future will be for them," stated Jurel, as quoted by India Today.
Jurel, playing in his sixth Test, conceded that he has always been intrigued by the developments around the Indian Army even after all these years.
"I will like to dedicate this to them (Indian Army) for what they do. I have seen them closely how it is like and I remain very fascinated in those things. I also used to always keep asking my father. I will dedicate it to those who deserve," he added.
Meanwhile, India ended the day on 448/5 in 128 overs with Jurel, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja all scoring tons. Jurel registered 15 fours and three sixes in his 210-ball knock, getting maiden Test ton in his ninth innings in the longest format. The Shubman Gill-led unit lead by 286 runs at Stumps on Day 2.
