Dhruv Jurel seized his opportunity in the first Test, crafting a brilliant 125 off 210 balls, studded with 15 fours and three sixes.
Dhruv Jurel Shines with Maiden Test Century
Dhruv Jurel made the most of the opportunity presented by Rishabh Pant’s injury, scoring his maiden Test century and leaving a solid impact against the West Indies in the series opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Usually considered Pant’s backup in the red-ball setup, Jurel earned his place in the playing XI due to the left-hander’s unfortunate absence.
The wicketkeeper-batter played a composed knock of 125 runs off 210 balls, decorated with 15 fours and three sixes. He steadied the innings after the dismissals of Shubman Gill (50) and KL Rahul (100), bringing calmness to India’s middle order.
Jurel’s defining moment came in a remarkable 206-run partnership with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, which helped India take firm control of the match. He reached his century with a boundary, celebrating with a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Army. The dressing room rose to applaud his sublime strokeplay, while Jadeja, standing at the other end, beamed with pride at the youngster’s achievement.
A moment to cherish forever! 🥳
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 3, 2025
Special scenes 📹 in Ahmedabad as Dhruv Jurel notches up a maiden Test 💯
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Earlier, when Dhruv Jurel reached his half-century, he celebrated it in style with a salute. The gesture carried deep personal meaning—Jurel’s father, Nem Chand, served in the Indian Army and took part in the 1999 Kargil War. In past interviews, Jurel has explained that his on-field salute is a heartfelt tribute to his father’s dedication and service to the nation, making his maiden century celebration all the more special.
Dhruv Jurel joins elite list with maiden ton
Dhruv Jurel’s century marked India’s third by a designated wicketkeeper in 2025—two by Rishabh Pant and one by Jurel—setting a new national record for the most in a calendar year. It also stood as the joint second-highest tally by any team, behind South Africa’s four in 2013.
With this knock, Jurel became the 12th Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century, joining an elite group. Remarkably, he is now the sixth Indian wicketkeeper—after Vijay Manjrekar, Farookh Engineer, Ajay Ratra, Wriddhiman Saha, and Pant—to notch his maiden hundred against the West Indies.
