India's Dhruv Jurel celebrated a century on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo before donning the wicket-keeping gloves in place of the injured Rishabh Pant.
Dhruv Jurel scored a century on day two of the second Test match between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 24, 2026. Batting with Mohammed Siraj at the other end, Jurel survived a run-out attempt and took 13 deliveries to navigate from 99 to his hundred, deflating the host side.
Speaking to the media in Colombo on Monday, Jurel recalled his tense moments on 99 and praised Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando. "So actually, when I was on 99, before that I was getting runs, and on 99, he (Asitha Fernando) started bowling good lengths. When I played that shot (for the hundred), thought it was going past the fielder, that there was a gap, and then I was like oh God!" Jurel said. He added that Fernando was "really challenging, especially when I was on 99," noting the hot weather and the bowler's use of short balls.
Despite rain interrupting play throughout the day, Jurel remained composed, attributing his comfort to prior experience. "I am used to it because I was here with India A and am aware of the situation, about the (rain) breaks. I was just trying to bat in partnerships and also assess the conditions. Even if I scored a 100 today, tomorrow I will go and start from zero, that’s how it is," he stated.
Jurel also took over wicket-keeping duties when Sri Lanka began their first innings due to an injury to Rishabh Pant. "Right now, (Rishabh) Pant has a sore right shoulder. We are closely monitoring him. Today I kept wickets, hopefully he will be fit," Jurel explained. Reflecting on the opportunity to represent India, Jurel added, "Playing Test cricket is a privilege. We want to play well both in white and in blue."
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.