India’s lower order once again stepped up when the team needed it most during the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. After a strong opening day had put the visitors in a commanding position, Sri Lanka managed to create some pressure by picking up quick wickets on Day 2. However, their hopes of restricting India to a manageable total were quickly put to rest as Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant produced a crucial partnership.

Jurel walked out to bat with India in a tricky position at 307/6 and had the responsibility of ensuring that the visitors did not lose their grip on the contest. The young wicketkeeper-batter showed excellent composure against the Sri Lankan attack and gradually grew in confidence. His patience eventually paid off as he reached his second Test century, while his effort also helped India cross the 500-run mark before declaring.

Partnership with Rishabh Pant changes the game

Jurel found an ideal partner in Pant, who adopted a more aggressive approach and put pressure back on the Sri Lankan bowlers. The pair added 112 runs for the seventh wicket, turning what could have been a difficult phase for India into another period of dominance. Pant brought up a fluent 63 off 89 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. At the other end, Jurel remained composed and continued to accumulate runs without taking unnecessary risks.

The rain interruption made Jurel’s wait for the century even more dramatic. He was stranded on 95 when play was halted, leaving him just five runs short of the milestone. Once the players returned to the field, Jurel quickly completed his century from 171 deliveries. His innings eventually came to an end at 115 off 177 balls after Keshara Nuwantha caught and bowled him. Jurel struck nine fours and two sixes during a knock that further strengthened his reputation as a reliable lower-order batter.

Dhruv Jurel helps India declare on 503/9

Jurel’s dismissal came after India had already taken complete control of the innings. The visitors eventually declared at 503/9, putting enormous pressure on Sri Lanka. Devdutt Padikkal had provided the foundation with a brilliant 117 on Day 1, while Shubman Gill contributed 50 and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45. Ravindra Jadeja also made a valuable 43 before India declared.

Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler with 4/106, while Keshara and Prabath Jayasuriya claimed two wickets each. Jurel’s century was his second in Test cricket after his 125 against the West Indies in Ahmedabad in October 2025. He also became only the second Indian batter after Hardik Pandya to score a Test century at No. 7 or lower in Sri Lanka.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant breaks solar panel with a monstrous six on Day 2 of Colombo Test – SL vs IND

Here’s how fans reacted:

2️⃣nd Test hundred for Dhruv Jurel 💯👌#DhruvJurel #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/Wowod0GBim

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 24, 2026

💯 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘿𝙝𝙧𝙪𝙫 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙡! 🫡

A fantastic knock from him to bring up his second hundred in Test cricket! 🙌 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/r9FgXSdsMf#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/D9fYDRpAqG

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2026

A beautifully constructed innings in which he hardly put a foot wrong (except for the last run 🫣). Looked in control throughout and showed very pleasing temperament. Very well played, Dhruv Jurel.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 24, 2026

– Fifty in 1st Test. ✅
– Hundred in 2nd Test. ✅

DHRUV JUREL IS HERE TO STAY – Great decision by the management to back Jurel after the tough home series vs South Africa and he has shown his ability in this Sri Lanka tour. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/s5b3VqFJnB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2026

SECOND TEST HUNDRED FOR DHRUV JUREL! 💯🔥 What a statement from the young Indian batter. 👏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mjGo4ksP76

— Bhavesh Gujrati (@Bhaveshlivelife) August 24, 2026

Happy for Dhruv Jurel. Credit to the management as well for backing him and trusting his talent. 🤞

We’re building a strong core with Pant × Jurel × Jadeja heading into the BGT. That’s terrific news for Indian Test cricket. 🇮🇳

— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) August 24, 2026

🔴JAI JAWAN JAI KISHAN 🫡

– Dhruv Jurel show his tatto after Smashing a overseas Test Century 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dCLCrdDmda

— Sam (@cricsam02) August 24, 2026

THE 2ND TEST HUNDRED FOR DHRUV JUREL. 🇮🇳

– DJ gets to his hundred in 171 balls. pic.twitter.com/7RqxXWELXo

— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) August 24, 2026

DHRUV JUREL CELEBRATION AFTER COMPLETED HIS HUNDRED. ❤️🥹

– He showing his tattoo “Jai Jawan, Jai Kishan”. pic.twitter.com/tDDV6w5p3r

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 24, 2026

Take a bow, Dhruv Jurel! 👏 What a hundred

Coming in at No. 7 and scoring a hundred with the lower order around him makes this knock even more special.

I’ve always felt Jurel deserves to be in this Test team ahead of Sarfaraz. Give him an opportunity, and he scores. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2pYksmJB2T

— Charvi Vyas (@4Vvyas) August 24, 2026

Also READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal breaks silence on heated Asitha Fernando altercation after controversial Day 1 incident