‘Hype sabko karo’ – Former India batter Virender Sehwag questions double standards of media while praising Dhruv Jurel

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has stirred a debate on the “media hype” surrounding young Indian players in the ongoing series against England. Despite the spotlight on India’s relatively inexperienced batting lineup, players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel have delivered standout performances.

In Ranchi, it was Jurel’s turn to shine with a valiant knock of 90. Sehwag, known for his straightforward opinions, commended Jurel’s performance on social media. However, he raised concerns about the unequal media attention given to certain players.

He emphasised the need for recognition based on performance rather than undue hype. Sehwag pointed out that players like Jurel, Akash Deep (who took three wickets on Day 1 in Ranchi), and others deserved more acknowledgement for their contributions.

He said, “There was no media hype, no drama, just some outstanding skills, and he quietly showed great temperament in a very difficult situation. Very well done, Dhruv Jurel. Best wishes.”

“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 gotten 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,” he wrote in a separate tweet.

“One of the least hyped guys,”  Virender Sehwag praises Kuldeep Yadav

Sehwag particularly noted that Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the least hyped players, despite consistently delivering exceptional performances over the years. He called for more credit and acknowledgement for Kuldeep, asserting that the spinner deserves recognition as a key contributor to the team.

“When it comes to hype, one of the least hyped guys is Kuldeep Yadav. He has been exceptional for many years, but he never got an online fan club or people to hype him as the next big thing. He deserves a lot more credit and hype than he gets,” he tweeted.

As the series unfolds, Sehwag’s comments shed light on the dynamics of media coverage and the need for a balanced approach to recognising the efforts of various players. The performances of young talents and seasoned players alike should be acknowledged without bias, ensuring a fair reflection of their contributions to Indian cricket.