IPL has forged unlikely friendships between cricketers from around the world. However, a young India cricketer given a taste of ‘professionalism’ by England superstar Joe Root that left him a little stunned.
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Dhruv Jurel left quite an impression during India’s five-match Test series against England earlier this year. In his first Test, he scored 46 before producing a match-saving innings of 90 in Ranchi that won him a player-of-the-match award.
Jurel lifted India out from the depths of 177/7 to 307-all out in response to England’s first innings total of 353-all out.
At the end of Day 2, Jurel (30*) and Kuldeep Yadav (17*) had kept India afloat with the scorecard reading 219/7. With another challenging day ahead of him, Jurel wasn’t able to sleep that night.
“I wasn’t able to sleep that night. I was unbeaten on 30. I was making plans on how to deal with the old ball and how avoid playing a rash shot. I was planning to see through the few overs (with the old ball), cut down the lead and put us in a good spot,” Jurel told sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru on his YouTube channel.
Jurel then recalled how when he settled in nicely, England players started sledging him and he was particularly surprised by Joe Root’s aggression – a player with whom he has played together at IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
“I was on 32-34, England took the new ball. And I knew (James) Anderson will be back and he was also quite aggressive because they knew the partnership is growing,” Jurel said.
“I decided to not listen to them. I knew if I end up listening, it will rankle me. So, I decided to completely ignore them. Jonny Bairstow came and even Joe Root joined. I was shocked because Root and I play together in IPL, and I said, “Bhai Joe Root, aap kyun sledhe kar rahe ho? (Why are you sledging me?) He replied: ‘This is what professionalism is, we are all playing for our country now’,” he added.
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