Brief Scores: Sri Lanka (2/1 in 2 overs) at stumps on Day 2, trail India (503/9d) by 501 runs in the Colombo Test.
Colombo Test centurion Dhruv Jurel dedicated his special century celebration and the tattoo on his bicep reading ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ to his family roots, saying his father was a soldier and his grandfather a farmer.
After reaching three figures against Sri Lanka on Monday, Jurel revealed that he stood tall, saluted and flexed his biceps to honour his family’s legacy.
“My grandfather was a farmer, and my father was a soldier. So, those are my roots, and I don’t want to forget them. So, that salute should go to my father and grandfather,” Jurel said after the day’s play.
Jurel’s unbeaten 115 lifted India to 503 for nine declared on day two of the second Test. It was an innings built on patience and composure, with the wicketkeeper-batter refusing to get carried away by Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach at the other end.
The pair shared a vital 112-run partnership, with Pant contributing a brisk 63. Jurel remained committed to his own game plan, picking his moments to attack.
“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,” he said.
SL vs IND 2nd Test Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Jurel was equally clear that batting alongside Pant did not mean attempting to replicate his style.
“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.”
Jurel’s knock carried extra weight after a period in which his place in the playing XI had come under scrutiny. His unbeaten hundred in Colombo underlined his ability to absorb pressure and construct a Test innings.
He also credited his previous tour of Sri Lanka with India A for helping him prepare for the Test series.
Jurel made sure to highlight the contribution of Mohammad Siraj, who defended for 29 balls without scoring. Siraj’s stubborn resistance gave Jurel the time he needed to complete his century.
“Siraj, whenever I speak to him, I think he celebrates more. It’s good thing about him was that his defending was solid. It was good,” Jurel said.
Jurel’s Instagram bio features the phrase ‘Mamba Mentality’, inspired by basketball great Kobe Bryant’s relentless pursuit of excellence. On Monday, his unbeaten 115 reflected the same focus and discipline.
While Pant played his trademark attacking strokes, Jurel stayed within his strengths. The reward was a second Test hundred and a commanding position for India.
After declaring at 503 for nine, India’s attack struck twice before the close. Prasidh Krishna removed Lahiru Udara before Manav Suthar dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya, reducing Sri Lanka to 8 for two.
Kamil Mishara remained unbeaten on five at stumps, with Sri Lanka trailing India by 495 runs.
– Ends
