Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 115 powers India to 503/9 declared in 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka
Synopsis
Dhruv Jurel's composed, unbeaten 115 — capped by a tattoo reveal and a six off Fernando — anchored India's mammoth 503/9 declaration at Colombo's SSC Ground. With Padikkal's 117 at the top and a 112-run Pant partnership in the middle, India have set up Day 3 with Sri Lanka staring down a first-innings deficit of 503 and a new ball already in hand.
Key Takeaways
India declared at 503 for 9 in 138 overs on Day 2 of the 2nd Test in Colombo .
Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 115 off 177 balls — his second Test century — hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes .
Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 117 , anchoring India's innings from the top order.
Jurel and Rishabh Pant (63) shared a crucial 112-run partnership .
Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's best bowler with 4 for 106 ; Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha took 2 wickets each .
Sri Lanka face India's attack with the new ball in the final hour of Day 2, trailing by 503 runs .
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 115 off 177 balls as India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 in 138 overs on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo on Monday, 24 August. The declaration hands India a commanding position, with Sri Lanka left to face roughly an hour of batting before stumps.
Jurel's Century — The Wait and the Moment
Jurel resumed the day on 95, tantalisingly close to what would be his first Test hundred on Sri Lankan soil. A two-hour and ten-minute rain interruption extended the suspense further. When play resumed, he was joined by Mohammed Siraj and faced a disciplined cordon of close-in fielders set by the hosts.
The milestone arrived after 22 deliveries of patient resistance — Jurel drove a full delivery from Asitha Fernando over the bowler's head, completing a risky diving single as a direct hit narrowly missed the stumps. He celebrated by rolling up his sleeve to reveal a tattoo reading 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan', before Siraj rushed in to embrace him at the crease. It is Jurel's second Test century at the international level.
Key Partnerships and Lower-Order Muscle
Jurel's innings was built on crucial lower-order alliances. His 112-run stand with Rishabh Pant, who contributed 63, was the centrepiece. Earlier in the innings, Devdutt Padikkal had anchored the top order with 117, giving India the platform to push deep into the second day.
Once his century was secured, Jurel shifted gears — stepping out to launch Fernando over long-on for a six, then pulling him over deep backward square leg for another maximum. Prasidh Krishna provided the final flourish, slicing a full-toss through the covers to push India past the 500-run mark, at which point captain Shubman Gill signalled the declaration.
Sri Lanka's Bowling — Fernando Leads, Others Leak
Pacer Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 106, but the cost underlines the pressure India applied. Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha each claimed two wickets but conceded heavily — Jayasuriya going for 132 in his spell. Jayasuriya did remove Siraj via an LBW with a slider, with India wasting a review in the process.
What Happens Next
Sri Lanka now face the daunting task of batting against India's attack with the new ball in the final hour of Day 2, trailing by 503 runs on first innings. A follow-on remains firmly in India's sights. The series context adds further pressure — a strong first-innings lead here could prove decisive in the Test and the series.
Brief Scores: India 503/9 declared in 138 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Dhruv Jurel 115*; Asitha Fernando 4-106, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-132) vs Sri Lanka (innings to begin).
Point of View
He has done what India's middle order has repeatedly failed to do in overseas conditions: convert starts into match-defining innings. The Pant-Jurel axis (112 runs) is the partnership India's Test selectors will be watching most carefully heading into the next cycle. Sri Lanka's bowling, meanwhile, leaked too freely — Fernando's 4-for came at over 100 runs, and Jayasuriya's 2-132 reflects a side that could not stem the flow despite taking wickets.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was India's final score in the first innings of the 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka?
India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 in 138 overs at the SSC Ground in Colombo. The declaration came after Dhruv Jurel reached his century and Prasidh Krishna pushed the total past 500.
How did Dhruv Jurel perform in the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka?
Dhruv Jurel scored an unbeaten 115 off 177 balls, his second Test century, featuring 9 fours and 2 sixes. He batted through the lower order and shared a 112-run stand with Rishabh Pant before captain Shubman Gill called the declaration.
Who were the top scorers for India in the 2nd Test first innings?
Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 117, while Dhruv Jurel finished unbeaten on 115. Rishabh Pant contributed 63 in a key 112-run partnership with Jurel.
Which Sri Lanka bowler took the most wickets in India's first innings?
Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler with 4 wickets for 106 runs. Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha each took 2 wickets, though both were expensive.
What is the match situation after India's declaration in the Colombo Test?
Sri Lanka face a first-innings deficit of 503 runs and must bat against India's attack with a new ball in the closing hour of Day 2. A follow-on is firmly within India's reach as the match heads into Day 3.
