Fans on social media condemns former India opener for openly targeting Sarfaraz Khan in his tweet

In today’s day and age social media tends to set trends and narratives and whether you are an ordinary person or a celebrated former cricketer everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon of social trends. Four Indian players debuted in the test series against England, two out of which debuted in the 3rd test.

Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan were the ones who debuted in the 3rd test but Sarfaraz Khan was the one who stole the limelight owing to his domestic credentials. Although Sarfaraz Khan’s debut was celebrated by the media and fans on social media, there was one section of people on social media who were not happy with all the limelight going to Sarfaraz Khan whereas Dhruv Jurel also showed glimpses of his abilities in the 3rd test.

But when Dhruv Jurel played a valiant knock of 90 runs in the 4th test and took India out of a precarious position, the former India opener also took a dig at giving all the hype to Sarfaraz and not Dhruv Jurel. After Jurel’s knock, Sehwag tweeted, “No media hype, no drama, just some outstanding skills and quietly showed great temperament in a very difficult situation. Very Well done Dhruv Jurel. Best wishes.”

No media hype, no drama, just some outstanding skills and quietly showed great temparement in a very difficult situation.

Very Well done Dhruv Jurel. Best wishes. pic.twitter.com/XOtUYd8Je3

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 25, 2024

Fans Reaction to Sehwag’s tweet

Virender Sehwag’s tweet didn’t go well with the fans as they sensed his indirect dig at Sarfaraz Khan to praise Dhruv Jurel. They also sensed the political angle Sehwag tried to give the whole scenario and the fans were quick to call out the former player on his sour tweet. 

While some fans were dejected to see the former player targeting a debut cricketer others criticized him for bringing politics into sports. Here are some of the tweets from fans:

Sarfaraz was hyped because his struggles to get into the team was relatable for an average Indian. The same reason 12th fail movie was successful. Don't be petty.

— Febin (@febinvthomas) February 25, 2024

You probably are attacking Sarfaraz Khan's hype he got in media after debut



You are a cheàp guy who could not see his struggle in domestic for last three years



He literally fought against selectors for his place.



Today, respect for MS Dhoni grows by folds.

— Amock (@Politics_2022_) February 25, 2024

Such a pathetic tweet from an ex-cricketer. What a fall for this man who is considered a legend.



Sarfaraz got all that hype of his on-field record in First Class Cricket.

Dhruv Jurel didn't because he had played only 15 FC games and averaged in mid 40s.

— Sudharshan R (@rsudharshan95) February 25, 2024

You are directly targeting Sarfraz here, even he has worked very hard to earn his place. didn’t he?

— User45 (@140of113) February 25, 2024

Virender Sehwag’s response to the backlash

As things seemed to go out of hand, Sehwag gave clarifications behind the motive of his tweet. He reverted that he didn’t mean to target a player but just wanted similar appreciation and hype for all. 

In response to the backlash, Sehwag tweeted, “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 got 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."

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 got the hype they deserve.

Akash Deep was outstanding here, Yashasvi has been brilliant through the series and so was… https://t.co/RHGtneSS96

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 25, 2024