WATCH | Dhruv Jurel pays tribute to his father, a Kargil War veteran; father gets emotional

After scoring a half-century shortly into the start of the third day of the Test, Dhruv Jurel paid tribute to his father, a 1999 Kargil War veteran.

Sports    26-Feb-2024
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In what can be called a calm and composed innings, Dhruv Jurel coming at a crucial time smashed 90 runs in just his second Test match during Day 3 in Ranchi against England. After scoring a half-century shortly into the start of the third day of the Test, he paid tribute to his father, a 1999 Kargil War veteran. It was a soldier's son fulfilling his father's wish as he helped his side amid a challenging situation against a strong England side.
  
Dhruv Jurel ind vs eng 4th test father emotional
 

His salute, a celebratory gesture after smashing a much-needed fifty for his team, was a mark of respect towards his father, and in the post-match press conference, the wicketkeeper-batter revealed a special conversation with his father before Day 3.
 


"It was for my father. He is a Kargil war 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 end of his most memorable day in the sport thus far.
 


It is pertinent to mention that Nem Chand, Dhruv Jurel's father, served as a retired Havildar in the armed forces and bravely fought during the Kargil war in 1999 before opting for voluntary retirement.
 

Some 90s are special than 100s


 
The 23-year-old Jurel, facing a daunting situation with India at 161 for five, showcased remarkable resilience and composure to stabilise the innings. Partnering with Kuldeep Yadav (28), Jurel built a crucial 76-run stand for the eighth wicket alongside the left-arm wrist spinner.
 

"It's my debut Test series, obviously there will be some pressure. But when I got in, I just thought of what the team needed from me. The longer I stay here and make runs the better for me," Jurel said about his gameplan during the media interaction after the third day's play.
 
When asked about being disappointed over not getting a hundred, he said, "To tell you the truth, there is absolutely no regret," he said. "It's my first Test series. The only desperation I have is to lift the trophy with my hands, because playing Test cricket has been a huge dream since my childhood."
 
 

In the morning session, Jurel partnered up with debutant Akash Deep to add 40 valuable runs for the ninth wicket. He may have missed his century mark by just 10 runs, but his solid knock helped India narrow the deficit against England to just 46 runs. It would eventually play a vital role in the match as India bowled the visitors out for merely 145 in the first innings, thus getting a relatively modest 192-run target to clinch a series win.