Dhruv Jurel Recalls Joe Root’s Sledging in Ranchi Test
Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Team India, recently shared his experience of facing sledging from England’s Joe Root during the Ranchi Test earlier this year. Jurel, who made his Test debut in the series, recalled the incident that occurred when he was batting cautiously on 30 not out.
“I couldn’t sleep that night,” Jurel said. “I was thinking about how I could get my half-century, but I ended up getting around 36 before they took the new ball.”
The next morning, Jurel faced James Anderson, who immediately began sledging him. “He was all aggressive and was continuously sledging,” Jurel said. “I didn’t understand half of those words because of the British accent.”
To Jurel’s surprise, his former Rajasthan Royals teammate, Joe Root, also joined in the mind games. “I asked him, ‘Why are you sledging me?'” Jurel said. “He replied, ‘We are all playing for our country now.'”
Despite the sledging, Jurel remained focused and went on to score 90 runs in the first innings, followed by a crucial 39 not out in the second. His contributions helped India beat England by five wickets, with Jurel earning the man of the match award.
Jurel’s performance in the Ranchi Test showcased his resilience and determination. Despite the pressure of making his Test debut and facing sledging from experienced opponents, he remained composed and played a key role in India’s victory.
The 24-year-old has since been named in India’s 16-man squad for the upcoming 1st Test against Bangladesh. His inclusion is a testament to his talent and the potential he holds for the future of Indian cricket.