Former India opener Virender Sehwag made an explanation after his post on X complimenting Dhruv Jurel drew much criticism. While praising the Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman for his tenacious performance of 90 in the Ranchi Test, Sehwag stated that there was no media hype for the player, who had amazing talents.
A number of cricket fans on X believed that the media buzz referred to Sarfaraz Khan, who received the majority of the attention on his Test debut in Rajkot, despite the fact that Dhruv Jurel also debuted in the same Test. Many others thought the analogy was unnecessary and chastised Sehwag for publishing what they saw as a contentious remark.
Sehwag took to his X account on Sunday, February 25, to compliment Dhruv Jurel for his knock in the Ranchi Test, writing:
“No media hype, no drama, just some outstanding skills and quietly showed great temparement in a very difficult situation. Very Well done Dhruv Jurel. Best wishes.”
Virender Sehwag
Recognizing that a number of cricket fans were dissatisfied with his tweet, the former India opener offered a clarification, stating that his remarks were not intended to disparage anybody. He wrote:
“Not to degrade or demean anyone, but hype should be on performance and be equal. Some guys have bowled brilliantly, some have batted exceptionally but haven’t got the hype they deserve. Akash Deep was outstanding here, Yashasvi has been brilliant through the series and so was Sarfaraz at Rajkot and Dhruv Jurel in all his opportunities. Hype sabko karo. [Hype everyone.]
Virender Sehwag
The 45-year-old did not stop there, writing another post on X, stating that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav does not receive the attention he deserves.
“When it comes to hype, one of the least hyped guys is Kuldeep Yadav. Been exceptional for many years, but never got a online fan club or people to hype him as the next big thing. Deserves a lot more credit and hype than he gets.”
Virender Sehwag
In the Ranchi Test, India leads England on Day 4 by a comfortable margin. After Jurel’s 90 propelled the hosts to 307 in their first innings, Ravichandran Ashwin (5/51) and Kuldeep (4/22) combined to dismiss England for 145 in their second innings. India went to stumps at 40/0 with 192 to win.
Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan shine on Test debut, impress with bat
Both Jurel and Sarfaraz have made promising beginnings to their Test careers. While the latter scored half-centuries in both innings in the Rajkot Test, Jurel made a courageous 46 off 104 balls in the first innings.
Aside from his batting success, Jurel has been superb behind the wickets, while Sarfaraz has performed admirably in the field. On Day 3 in Ranchi, the latter dismissed Tom Hartley with a superb diving catch.