Dhruv Jurel Scores Second Test Century in Colombo Against Sri Lanka
Indian batter Dhruv Jurel achieved his second Test century on August 24, 2026, during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Batting at No. 7, Jurel constructed a key innings that significantly bolstered India’s total on the second day of the match.
What Happened
The landmark moment arrived in the 135th over of India’s innings. Facing Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando, Jurel drove a pitched-up ball into the outfield to take a single and complete his three-figure mark. The achievement brought immediate drama as a direct-hit attempt at the stumps from mid-off momentarily left him vulnerable to a run-out. However, Jurel survived the dismissal attempt safely.
Coming in at the lower-middle order, Jurel combined with frontline fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. The pair stitched together a century partnership that carried India’s batting effort deep into Day 2 of the five-day encounter, scheduled from August 23 to August 27, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Second Career Century: Dhruv Jurel reached his second Test hundred in the 135th over off the bowling of Asitha Fernando.
- Rare Lower-Order Feat: Jurel became only the second Indian cricketer to post a Test century from batting position No. 7 or below on Sri Lankan soil, following Hardik Pandya’s 108 at Pallekele in 2017.
- Vital Partnership: Formed an impactful century stand for the lower order alongside Mohammed Siraj at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
- Recent Precedent: This performance marked the first Test hundred from No. 7 or lower for India since Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 114 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2024.
Why This Matters
Historically, India’s batting totals in away Tests in Sri Lanka have leaned heavily on top-order runs. Jurel’s performance represents only the second instance of an Indian player scoring a Test hundred from No. 7 or below in the country, and the first in nearly a decade since 2017.
Furthermore, across all Test venues, Indian lower-order centuries have been infrequent, with the last occurrence dating back to December 2024 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The century partnership between a specialist wicketkeeper-batter and a tail-end bowler highlights lower-order batting depth that can substantially influence the outcome of a five-day match.
What to Watch Next
The second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club continues through August 27, 2026, as both teams contest the remainder of the scheduled five-day fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Dhruv Jurel score this century?
Jurel scored his century on August 24, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka.
Who was the first Indian batter to score a Test century from No. 7 or below in Sri Lanka?
Hardik Pandya was the first Indian batter to accomplish the feat, scoring 108 at Pallekele in 2017.
Who did Dhruv Jurel partner with during the century stand?
Jurel shared a century partnership with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.
Source: CricTracker