Indian wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel made full use of his big break in red-ball cricket, stepping up in Rishabh Pant’s absence and grabbing the spotlight with a stunning debut Test century at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Usually seen as Pant’s deputy in Wicket Keeping, Jurel was drafted into the playing XI against West Indies in the first test and made the opportunity count in style, scoring a composed 125 off 210 balls, decorated with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Coming in when India had lost both Gill (50) and Rahul (100), the young keeper-batter steadied the innings alongside Indian vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja. The duo stitched together a crucial 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket, putting India firmly in control..
Advertisement
Dhruv Jurel scores Maiden Ton
Jurel brought up his maiden Test ton with a boundary and celebrated it with a salute, a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Army. The dressing room stood and applauded as Jadeja smiled on from the other end, witnessing a rising star announce himself on the big stage.
With this knock, Jurel became the 12th Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century. Interestingly, he joins a unique club of five others, Vijay Manjrekar, Farookh Engineer, Ajay Ratra, and Wriddhiman Saha, who all got their maiden Test hundreds against the West Indies.
Dhruv Jurel's century wasn't just special, it was historic. It was the third Test century by a designated wicketkeeper for India in 2025 (Pant 2 in England, Jurel 1 in India), breaking the previous record for the most keeper hundreds in a single year.
In-Form Jadeja Smashes Sixth Test Hundred
Meanwhile, Jadeja scored his sixth Test ton, continuing his red-hot form with the bat and putting India firmly in control. With that knock, he not only frustrated the West Indies bowlers but also entered elite company becoming just the third Indian, after Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin, to register at least six centuries and six five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Advertisement
The veteran all-rounder brought up his hundred with a calm single off Jomel Warrican, underlining his consistency and value in the longest format. India wrapped up Day 2 at 448/5, with Jadeja unbeaten on 104, joining KL Rahul and debutant Dhruv Jurel in the list of centurions for the innings.
For More updates on India vs West Indies - 1st Test
India vs West Indies Live Scorecard
