Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja - (Source : AFP)
In the ongoing day 2 of the first Test between India and the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Dhruv Jurel stole the limelight after the right-handed batter brought up his maiden Test ton for India. The 24-year-old came to bat when India were 188/3.
At a crucial point in the game, Jurel stitched an important partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. Jurel's intelligent knock helped India take a massive lead over the Windies. The right-handed batter returned to the pavilion after scoring 125 (110) balls.
Jadeja, Jurel nearly surpasses Tendulkar's long-standing record
Notably, Jadeja and Jurel stitched a crucial 208-run stand for the fifth wicket and nearly scripted history as the pair was just seven runs shy of breaking Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman's record for the highest partnership for the fifth wicket against West Indies.
Sachin and Laxman hold this record for their 214-run stand against the Windies in the 2002 series. Here is the complete list.
- Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman - 214 in 2002
- Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel - 208, today
- Sunil Gavaskar and Brijesh Patel - 206 in 1976
- Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar - 202 in 1994
- Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif - 179 in 2006
Dhruv Jurel shines for India in Pant's absence
Dhruv Jurel, who is not a regular for India in Test cricket, got the opportunity in Pant's absence as the southpaw was injured and could not recover in time for the Windies tour. However, Jurel made full use of the opportunity and and didn't disappoint the selectors.
His knock helped India gain a massive lead and after the end of day's play on Day 2 of the first Test, India are 448/5 and lead by 286 runs.
