"I was shocked because Root used to play with me in IPL" - Dhruv Jurel recalls being sledged by RR teammate in 2024 Ranchi Test vs England
Team India wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel said he was shocked when ace England batter Joe Root sledged him during the Ranchi Test earlier this year, considering they were teammates at the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Root and Jurel both played for RR in the latter's debut IPL season in 2023.
Jurel debuted for India in the third Test of the five-match home series against England at Rajkot and scored a defiant 46 in the first innings. The following Test at Ranchi saw Jurel walk in with India in trouble, at 161/5 in their first innings in response to England's 353.
The youngster moved to 30* at stumps on Day 2 with India in further disarray at 219/7.
Speaking to Jatin Sapru on his YouTube channel, Jurel recalled Root going at him at the start of the pivotal Day 3 [40:12].
"I could not sleep that night. I was not out on 30. I was making plans for the next day, thinking whether I should try to get the half-century with the old ball, because a few overs were still left, or against the new ball. But eventually I managed to get around 36 before they took the new ball and Anderson returned," said Jurel.
"He was all aggressive by then and was continuously sledging. Given the British accent, I did not understand half of those words. Even Bairstow and Joe Root joined. I was shocked because Root used to play with me in IPL, and I asked him, 'Why are you sledging me?' He replied: ‘We are all playing for our country now," he added.
Root and England's tactics did not impact Jurel, who scored a magnificent 90 to help India reach 307 in their first innings.
Dhruv Jurel helped India win the England series with his heroics
Dhruv Jurel continued his impressive outing during India's run-chase to help the hosts capture an unassailable 3-1 series lead.
Following his first-innings 90 that helped India reduce England's deficit to 46, India bowled the visitors out for a paltry 145 in the second innings, setting themselves a target of 192. However, India were reduced to 120/5 on a turning wicket, needing a further 72 runs for victory.
Jurel combined with Shubman Gill for an unbeaten 72-run sixth-wicket stand to help the side overcome a tense situation. Jurel scored 39* off 77 deliveries.
His heroics earned him the Player of the Match award as India won their third consecutive game to take a 3-1 lead, with a Test match remaining.