Colombo, August 24, 2026: India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel produced a historic performance in the second Test against Sri Lanka, becoming only the second Indian batter to score a Test century in Sri Lanka while batting at No. 7 or lower.

Jurel remained unbeaten on 115 off 177 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, as India declared their first innings at 503/9 on Day 2. He followed Hardik Pandya, who scored 108 at Pallekele in 2017, into the exclusive list.

Jurel reached his century in 171 deliveries and had to endure a nervous wait after being stranded on 99 for 13 balls. Once he completed the milestone with a quick single, he celebrated in style by hitting Asitha Fernando for two sixes.

The 25-year-old’s century was built around crucial partnerships, particularly with Rishabh Pant. After Pant returned to the crease following his retirement hurt on Day 1, the pair added 112 runs for the seventh wicket. Pant contributed a valuable 63 before being dismissed shortly after lunch.

Jurel then guided India’s lower order, adding 39 runs with Manav Suthar and another useful partnership with Mohammed Siraj.

India’s innings also featured a century from Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 117, while Pant and captain Shubman Gill made half-centuries. Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler with figures of 4/106.

India’s bowlers further strengthened their position as Sri Lanka ended the rain-affected day at 8/2, still trailing by 495 runs.