Dhruv Jurel maiden hundred characterized the feel of India dominating the West Indies in Ahmedabad and the sound innings, became a life-time statement. The dry- wybbie-woe of three Tests only, he displayed a mixture of craftsmanship, character and time which enabled India to stamp themselves as utterly on the ascendency on the second inning.
Jurel, in his own third Test, in a blow of sound which inherent manly instinct maligned his age and his life, gave a fine illustration of a young man. Entering when India needed to change the equation by turning her 22-run score into a dominating figure, he soaked up the kick and constructed his innings wall after wall. Jurel had converted a stable union to a match-making one by the time he reached his century with claims to being a real middle-order player of the future.\
Even in the initial session it was India that dictated the tempo. The exemplary play by KL Rahul ensured that the scoreboard was continually going in the right direction as Ravindra Jadeya ensured consistency on the other side. However, when Jurel settled down the game changed. His timing, calmness and clean choice of shots was indicative of a temper which India has always needed in the wicketkeeper-batter. His celebration which is actually a salute to his father, a war veteran in Kargil brought emotional tone to an otherwise technically sound master piece.
This alliance between Jurel and Jadeja made the contest one sided. Their counter of more than 200 dents greatly demoralized West Indies and gave India an upper hand seemsing shall be irascible. This ordered aggression of Jurel faultlessly complemented with paternal command of Jadeja, and suggested again how India batted.
But most interesting subplot was how this innings could affect the selection of the teams. As Rishabh Pant returns and KL Rahul is already in the mix already, the entry of Jurel into the picture creates a much-needed selection issue. It is that typecast of woe that teams all enjoy having–lines of too many in-form players and too few slots. Jurel is a steady guy despite the pressure, and his capability of rotating canaide well makes him more than a short run replacement, he is definitely long run.
Jurel gave credit to his preparation and patience, and said he felt surreal after the play. What came out also was the increasing belief of the new generation in India – the generation of cricketers that can safely walk into a situation and perform with grace.
In the meantime, West Indies had seemed powerless in the ruthless ascendancy of India. Bowling was staleless and field novelties added to the strain. India with only 448/5 at the stumps had them reeling, and like shadows in the game that slipped away.
By now, as day ended, it was evident how Jurel innings had not just done everything that India planned to do so but put a sparkling touch to their plans in the long-term. With the hosts seeking to win another home series, the name of Jurel will be mentioned by everyone, not only because of the fun it promises but because of what it promises.
However, in summing up, it was not only the personal milestone of Dhruv Jurel, maiden hundred was the saying of the next generation of India. Riddled with grit, grace and intent, it reaffirmed the superiority of India in batting and also promised a time come a competition might be able to drive the team even higher. To the selectors it is a pleasant puzzle to figure out. To the fans, it would be another reason of thinking that the bench strength of India was no less strong than ever.
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