Aoba Tanaka 
In a captivating display of resilience and determination, young cricketer Dhruv Jurel carved his mark with a remarkable 90-run innings on Day 3 of the fourth Test against England in Ranchi. Beyond showcasing his cricketing prowess, Jurel’s innings became a poignant tribute to his father, Nem Chand, a Kargil war veteran.
Jurel’s innings, only his second in Test cricket, went beyond the conventional boundaries of sportsmanship. It was a son fulfilling his father’s wish, honoring a Kargil war hero, and guiding the Indian team out of a challenging situation against a formidable England side.
The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman’s salute, a gesture of respect towards his father, added a profound layer to his innings. In a post-match press conference, Jurel shared a heartwarming detail about a special conversation with his father before Day 3, where his father indirectly expressed the desire to see his son salute on the field.
“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 expressed, bringing a personal touch to his cricketing achievement.
Nem Chand, Jurel’s father, served as a retired Havildar in the armed forces and valiantly fought during the Kargil war in 1999. The cricketer’s salute was a heartfelt tribute to his father’s sacrifice and service to the nation.
Facing a daunting situation with India at 161 for five, Jurel showcased remarkable resilience and composure, stabilizing the innings. Partnering with Kuldeep Yadav, he forged a crucial 76-run stand for the eighth wicket. In the morning session, Jurel, alongside debutant Akash Deep, added 40 valuable runs for the ninth wicket.
While falling just short of a century, Jurel’s solid knock played a pivotal role as India bowled out England for 145 in the first innings, setting up a modest 192-run target for victory. Dhruv Jurel’s innings, filled with emotion and cricketing excellence, became a poignant chapter in the ongoing Test series, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of cricket fans and honoring the spirit of a soldier’s son.
