Cheteshwar Pujara Praises Dhruv Jurel’s Technique Against Pacers After Colombo Test Century
Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has praised Dhruv Jurel’s batting technique and skill against fast bowling after the 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter registered his second Test century during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
What Happened
On Monday, August 24, Dhruv Jurel scored 115 runs off 177 balls on Day 2 of India’s second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Jurel reached the century in the final session by taking a single off bowler Asitha Fernando. The innings marked his second hundred in 12 Test appearances and was built on a rain-affected pitch.
During a discussion on Sony Sports, former India batter and commentator Cheteshwar Pujara analysed Jurel’s batting approach, stating that after KL Rahul, Jurel is the best batter against pace bowling in the current Indian team. Pujara praised his precision, foot movement, and wide scoring range, including sweeps, reverse sweeps, and front-foot strokeplay.
Pujara also noted that the team management had displayed long-standing faith in Jurel, which had created expectations. He observed that Jurel addressed that pressure through match performances, having also performed in the previous game.
Key Highlights
- Dhruv Jurel scored 115 runs from 177 deliveries during India’s first innings in Colombo.
- The innings represents Jurel’s second century in his 12th Test match.
- Jurel became only the second Indian player, following Hardik Pandya, to hit a Test century from number seven or lower in Sri Lanka.
- A 112-run partnership between Jurel and Rishabh Pant helped India reach a declaration total of 503 for nine wickets.
- Sri Lanka closed Day 2 at eight runs for the loss of two wickets.
- Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted Jurel’s precise footwork, ability against pace, and varied shot selection across both front and back foot.
Why This Matters
Jurel’s contribution from the lower order played a direct role in India mounting a total above 500 runs before declaring. Achieving a century from number seven or lower in Sri Lanka is a rare feat for Indian batters, with Jurel joining Hardik Pandya as the only two to accomplish it. Furthermore, the innings solidified his response to team management backing, turning potential selection pressure into substantial lower-order runs.
What to Watch Next
With India declaring at 503 for nine and reducing Sri Lanka to 8 for two by the end of Day 2, the match proceeds into Day 3 with Sri Lanka trailing India’s first-innings total.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Dhruv Jurel score in the second Test against Sri Lanka?
Dhruv Jurel scored 115 runs off 177 deliveries in the first innings at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
What did Cheteshwar Pujara say about Dhruv Jurel?
Pujara commended Jurel’s precise footwork and stroke repertoire, stating that after KL Rahul, Jurel plays fast bowling better than anyone else in the current Indian squad.
What record did Dhruv Jurel achieve with this century?
Jurel became the second Indian batter, after all-rounder Hardik Pandya, to score a Test century batting at number seven or lower in Sri Lanka.
Source: Information reported by Crictracker based on comments broadcast on Sony Sports.