Dhruv Jurel scripts history with Test century in Colombo, joins Hardik Pandya in rare Sri Lanka record - The Times of India

Dhruv Jurel's second Test century was more than just a personal milestone. The India wicketkeeper-batter also etched his name alongside Hardik Pandya in an exclusive list after producing a composed unbeaten 115 against Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.Jurel became only the second Indian batter to score a Test century in Sri Lanka while batting at No. 7 or lower, joining Pandya, who made 108 at Pallekele in 2017. Jurel walked in at No. 7 and remained unbeaten as India declared their first innings at 503/9 on Day 2.The milestone came after a patient yet authoritative innings from the 25-year-old, who finished with nine fours and two sixes. Jurel reached his century in 171 balls and then accelerated, eventually ending unbeaten on 115 off 177 deliveries. Jurel's first Test century had come against the West Indies in Ahmedabad in October 2025, when he made 125.Jurel shows patience before unleashingJurel had reached 95 before rain brought an early end to the second session, leaving him just five runs short of three figures. When play resumed, he found himself alongside Mohammed Siraj with India's score at 475/8. The wait for the century proved more nerve-wracking than expected. Jurel remained stuck on 99 for 13 deliveries before finally taking a quick single to reach the landmark.He celebrated by hitting Asitha Fernando for a six and then added another maximum off the Sri Lankan pacer as India moved beyond the 500-run mark. Jurel's late acceleration ensured India finished with a formidable total before captain Shubman Gill called for the declaration.A crucial partnership with PantJurel's century was built on important partnerships throughout the second day. The most significant came with Rishabh Pant, who returned to the crease after retiring hurt on Day 1. The pair launched an aggressive counter-attack and added 112 runs for the seventh wicket, taking India from 307/6 to 419/6 at lunch.Pant contributed 63, including six fours and two sixes, before falling shortly after lunch. Jurel then continued to shepherd the lower order, adding 39 with Manav Suthar and another useful stand with Mohammed Siraj.India finish Day 2 in complete controlIndia declared at 503/9 after 138 overs, with Jurel unbeaten on 115 and Prasidh Krishna on four. Devdutt Padikkal had earlier scored 117, while Pant and captain Shubman Gill made half-centuries. Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler with 4/106. India then needed only three overs to make an impact with the ball.Prasidh Krishna removed Lahiru Udara for one before debutant Manav Suthar trapped nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya LBW for two. Sri Lanka finished the rain-hit day at 8/2, trailing by 495 runs.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.