Hype Sabko Karo: Virender Sehwag reacts to criticism of ‘no drama’ Dhruv Jurel post

Former India opener Virender Sehwag kicked up a social media storm on Sunday.

When he congratulated Dhruv Jurel after the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter hit a gritty 90 on Day 3 of the 4th Test against England in Ranchi. Sehwag heaped rich praise on Dhruv, saying that the wicketkeeper “quietly went about” his business to rescue India out of trouble in their first innings with the bat on a pitch that had variable bounce.

Dhruv Jurel, playing only his second Test match, made sure India added 140 runs for the last three wickets as they recovered from 177 for 7 to post 307 on the board. Dhruv played wonderfully well with the tail as he Bazballed after the fall of the 8th wicket. The wicketkeeper got good support from debutant Akash Deep, who hung in there offering solid support to the recognised batter in the middle.

Dhruv fell just 10 short of a well-deserved century as he was undone by a ripping spinner from left-arm spinner Tom Hartley. However, Dhruv entertained the Sunday Ranchi crowd, hitting some neatly-timed sixes against the spinners. Dhruv also showcased incredible composure and his ability to defend, looking comfortable in the middle even as more established batters struggled against Shoaib Bashir and Hartley.

“No media hype, no drama, just some outstanding skills and quietly showed great temperament in a very difficult situation. Very Well done Dhruv Jurel. Best wishes,” Virender Sehwag said in his post on X.

Several of his followers on social media accused Virender Sehwag of taking an indirect dig at the hype around Sarfaraz Khan’s debut in the 3rd Test in Rajkot while lauding Dhruv Jurel. Notably, Sarfaraz was the focus of attention in Rajkot as the young Mumbai batter was rewarded with a much-awaited Test debut and his family, including his father and wife, was at the venue to be part of the emotional moment.

However, Sehwag rubbished the views of a certain section of fans, saying that every young debutant deserves to be hyped. Notably, India handed debuts to Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan and Akash Deep in the Test series against England.

“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,” Sehwag said.

India were in the driver’s seat at the end of the third day’s play as Dhruv Jurel’s 90 helped India cut down the lead to 46 after which R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around the England batters, bowling them out for 145.