Dhruv Jurel produced a composed and authoritative unbeaten 115 as India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on August 24, 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter’s second Test century, and first overseas, helped India build a commanding total before the bowlers struck twice in fading light to leave the hosts reeling at 8 for 2, trailing by 495 runs.
The Sony LIV highlights package captures Jurel’s patient accumulation, the important lower-order partnerships, the drama surrounding his century, and India’s late breakthroughs that put the visitors firmly in control of the match.
Dhruv Jurel’s Unbeaten 115 Powers India Past 500 as Visitors Seize Control on Day 2
Building on a Strong Foundation
India resumed the day on 300 for 5 after Devdutt Padikkal’s 117 on the opening day. Early on, Saransh Jain fell cheaply, but Rishabh Pant returned to the crease after retiring hurt on Day 1 with a forearm injury. Pant played with characteristic aggression, scoring a lively 63 off 89 balls that included six fours and two sixes. Together, Pant and Jurel added a crucial 112 runs for the seventh wicket, lifting India from a potentially vulnerable 307 for 6 to a position of strength.
Jurel, who had begun the day on 7, played the perfect supporting role at first before growing in confidence. He reached his fifty off 97 balls and continued to accumulate steadily against both pace and spin. After Pant’s dismissal, Manav Suthar contributed useful runs in a 39-run stand that further extended India’s advantage.
Drama and Determination on the Way to a Century
Rain interrupted play when Jurel was on 95, forcing an early tea and a delay of more than two hours. When play resumed, the tension rose as Jurel moved to 99 and spent several deliveries there. He finally reached his century with a risky single off Asitha Fernando, driving the ball towards mid-off and diving full length to complete the run as a direct hit missed the stumps. The Indian dressing room erupted in applause, and Jurel celebrated by raising his sleeve to display a tattoo reading “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
Liberated by the milestone, Jurel shifted gears. He launched Fernando for six over long-on and later pulled another maximum. India crossed the 500-run mark, and captain Shubman Gill declared at 503 for 9 after 138 overs, with Jurel unbeaten on 115 off 177 balls (nine fours and two sixes).
Scorecard Snapshot – India’s First Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | 117 | 193 | Century on Day 1 |
| Shubman Gill | 50 | – | Important middle-order contribution |
| Rishabh Pant | 63 | 89 | Returned after injury, aggressive |
| Dhruv Jurel | 115* | 177 | Second Test century, first overseas |
| Others | – | – | Useful lower-order contributions |
India 503/9 declared in 138 overs
Bowling (Sri Lanka): Asitha Fernando 4/106, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/132
Early Strikes Put Sri Lanka Under Pressure
With limited time remaining due to rain and bad light, India made the most of their opportunities with the ball. Prasidh Krishna removed opener Lahiru Udara, while Manav Suthar dismissed nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya. Debutant Kamil Mishara remained unbeaten on 5 as Sri Lanka closed on 8 for 2, still 495 runs behind.
Looking Ahead
India’s total of 503 represents a formidable platform in conditions that have offered something for both batters and bowlers. Jurel’s ability to bat with the lower order and convert starts into a big score has been a significant positive. Pant’s return and contribution further strengthened the middle and lower order.
Sri Lanka face a steep challenge. They must bat long and resiliently to avoid falling further behind, while India will look to maintain pressure with the new ball and exploit any assistance the pitch offers. The visitors are well-placed to push for a series-clinching victory and valuable World Test Championship points.
The Sony LIV highlights effectively showcase the key moments of Day 2 — the Pant-Jurel partnership, the rain interruption, Jurel’s tense wait on 99, the dramatic single that brought up his century, the subsequent acceleration, and the late wickets that left Sri Lanka in early trouble. It was a day that belonged to Dhruv Jurel and underlined India’s growing control of the second Test in Colombo.
