Jurel hits century in Colombo, says Test cricket is a privilege

Dhruv Jurel scored a century for India in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 24, 2026, reaching the mark after a 13-ball wait from 99 with Mohammed Siraj at the other end and surviving a run-out attempt that deflated the hosts. The innings came on a stop-start day two affected by rain.

Speaking to media in Colombo on Monday, Jurel said he was comfortable with the interruptions because he had been in Sri Lanka with India A and knew how the breaks worked. He said he focused on batting in partnerships and assessing the conditions, adding: "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."

Recalling the tense period on 99, Jurel described the bowling and his reaction: "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!"

When Sri Lanka batted in the first innings, Jurel took the wicket-keeping gloves. On Pant's condition he said: "Right now, (Rishabh) Pant has a sore right shoulder. We are closely monitoring him. Today I kept wickets, hopefully he will be fit."

He also praised Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando for his short-pitched bowling in the heat, saying: "It was so hot and he used the short ball. It’s not easy for a bowler, and he was really challenging, especially when I was on 99."

Jurel emphasised the importance of the longest format, saying: "Playing Test cricket is a privilege. We want to play well both in white and in blue."