Dhruv Jurel, the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, marked his maiden Test century with a gesture that has quickly become the talking point of India's opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. After completing a neat 125 runs on the second day, Jurel celebrated with a dramatic military-style salute and a "gun salute". The "gun salute" involved Jurel lifting his bat and eyes toward the stands in a moment that resonated beyond the scoreboard.
Jurel explained that the salute after reaching his half-century was for his father, Nem Chand Jurel, a Kargil war veteran and retired Havildar of the Indian Army. However, the "gun salute" after reaching his century was dedicated to the Indian Army. “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,” Jurel explained after his innings.
Jurel further elaborated on his deep respect for the army, stating, “I would like to dedicate this to them (Indian Army) for what they do". "I have seen them closely and I remain fascinated by those things. I also used to keep asking my father about it. I will dedicate it to those who deserve”. He acknowledged the vast difference between the sport he plays and the battles soldiers fight, emphasizing his respect for their service. “What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield is very difficult and you cannot compare that,” Jurel explained. “I will always have my respect and whatever I will do in the future will be for them".
Jurel's celebration has been widely received in India as a personal and respectful homage. His explanation, rooted in his family's military background, emphasized reverence and gratitude rather than provocation.
With his century, Jurel not only cemented his place in the team's middle order but also placed himself at the center of an ongoing conversation about how players choose to express themselves on the field.
Jurel's innings of 125, along with centuries from K.L. Rahul (132) and Ravindra Jadeja (108), helped India amass a dominant total against the West Indies. Jurel and Jadeja also conjured a huge 206-run partnership. Their partnership narrowly missed Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman's record of 214-run stand in Kolkata, 2002.
Jurel also spoke about the privilege of being in the Indian Test squad. "It's about the privilege, a lot of people remain with the squad. Even if I am not playing I keep working hard so that I can deliver when there is an opportunity. It comes with discipline, and I keep myself motivated," Jurel said.
