Picture Credit: X/IPL
In match 44 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) hosted the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, April 27. Riding high on the back of back-to-back wins, it was the Sanju Samson-led side that stood tall, nearing their playoffs confirmation.
After the LSG posted 196 runs on the board, the RR chased it comfortably with six balls to spare on the back of skipper Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 71 and a crucial 34-ball 52* from Dhruv Jurel to help seal a seven wicket win in Lucknow. During the latter’s 34-ball unbeaten stay in the middle, not only did he grabbed the limelight with his maiden IPL as well as T20 half-century, but even dedicated to his father, who has been a Kargil veteran.
The Indian youngster then was seen celebrating this moment with his family, who were present at the stadium. In the video going viral, which has also been shared by the IPL social media handles, Jurel met his family members on the field after RR’s win.
Watch Dhruv Jurel’s reunion with family after RR’s 7-wicket win
I always play for my Papa: Dhruv Jurel
The 23-year-old Indian wicketkeeper-batter once again spoke of dedicating his crucial fifty which came in RR’s winning cause to his father. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Jurel said, “I always play for my papa. I did so during the Test match as well (against England). He was then in the army, but he was there today and that was for him.”
It is to be noted that Jurel’s trademark salute celebration gained popularity during India’s five-match Test series against England. The Indian youngster performed his salute celebration after his maiden Test 50, which came in the fourth Test of the series in Ranchi.