Jurel says he can't bat like Pant after 112-run stand in Colombo Test

Dhruv Jurel said he does not try to bat like Rishabh Pant after the pair combined for a 112-run partnership off 152 balls that helped India reach 503 by stumps on Day 2 of the Colombo Test on August 24, 2026. The stand pushed India firmly into control at the close of play.

Pant provided the attacking impetus while Jurel remained composed through the day; Pant scored 63 off 89 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, and Jurel brought up his second Test hundred in the same innings. Their partnership came as India built a substantial total before stumps.

"We all know Pant is such a terrific player and what he has done for India in Australia and England. So, whenever he is in, I only seek his advice, because he has so much experience. So, I always ask him for advice as, what I should do in a particular situation," Jurel said.

Jurel described his own methods and how they differ from Pant’s: "As you can see, Test cricket has different ways of playing, and it makes the game beautiful. When you play with Pant, it’s a very terrific experience. I can’t play like him, the way he has been playing since childhood. "My game plan is to see which bowler should I take down, which spell should I play, and I always ask Pant because he is a wicketkeeper, I am a wicketkeeper, and we play in the middle order, so it’s a very good experience."

Pant suffered a blow to his right shoulder during the match, having retired hurt on Day 1 before returning to bat, and he did not keep wicket toward the end of Day 2, with Jurel taking over behind the stumps. "Right now, he got a hit on his right shoulder, and we are closely monitoring him. Today I did wicketkeeping, because his shoulder was a little bad. Hopefully, I think he will be fit tomorrow," he said.

India were in charge at stumps, with Sri Lanka 8 for 2 and Pant’s fitness under close observation ahead of Day 3.