Joe Root, the top batsman for England, and young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel recently had an unforgettable encounter. Earlier this year, Jurel made his Test debut against England, and he looked impressive in Rajkot, scoring 46 runs. Nevertheless, he encountered a difficult circumstance in the subsequent Test at Ranchi.
Root, famed for his mental toughness, tried to frighten Jurel with sledging. Jurel recalled the encounter, describing how Root tried to get under his skin, testing his resolve. Despite the pressure, Jurel shown maturity beyond his years, handling the situation with grace.
The experience most certainly aided Jurel’s development as a cricketer, as he learned to manage high-pressure situations against elite opponents. Jurel’s debut series showed promise, and his ability to endure sledging from experienced players like Root will help him in his budding international career.
“We are all playing for our country now”- Dhruv Jurel
Speaking with Jatin Sapru, the wicket-keeper batsman recounted the first innings, when the India National Cricket Team lost three wickets in a matter of a few overs, falling seven runs behind. He had to bat conservatively, but after England great James Anderson slammed him, he opted to switch gears and add 76 runs with Kuldeep Yadav.
“James Anderson came to me and said that Test cricket is not my game. We had lost wickets, and England players were all over us. I thought of reacting but realized that I should wait. I took on Shoaib Bashir and also added runs with Kuldeep,” he said.
Dhruv achieved his first half-century on Day 3 of the fourth Test, frustrating the opposition as India’s first-inning deficit dropped below the 100-run threshold.
“I was thinking of completing my half-century before England took a new ball. Anderson was given a task to bowl with the new cherry and he was continuously sledging. Given his British accent, I did not understand much. Even Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root joined Anderson. I was shocked because Root played with me for Rajasthan Royals. I asked him why he was sledging me. He said we all are playing for our country” Dhruv Jurel added.
