Dhruv Jurel’s celebration after reaching his second Test century quickly caught attention in Colombo. The wicketkeeper-batter lifted his bat and revealed the ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ tattoo on his left bicep. The gesture had a deeply personal meaning for him. “My grandfather was a farmer and my father a soldier. I don’t want to forget my roots and that celebration was for them,” Jurel told reporters. The celebration was not simply about reaching another milestone. It was his way of remembering his family and the values he grew up with. Jurel remained unbeaten on 115 as India declared on 503/9. He also shared a 112-run partnership with Rishabh Pant.

The young batter also spoke about handling another rain-hit game in the series. Colombo has seen repeated interruptions, but Jurel said he has learned to deal with them. “I am used to the stop-start. I was looking to build partnerships,” he said. He also admitted that playing for India still brings its own nerves. “When you represent India, there are butterflies. I scored 100 today but starts on zero tomorrow,” he added. Jurel praised Pant after their important partnership as well. “Pant is a terrific player. I always ask him what I should do in different situations,” he said. Pant was also assessed by the physios after being hit on his right shoulder. Jurel’s century helped India take control, but his emotional celebration gave the innings a much more personal touch.

India declare on 503/9 as Dhurv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal hit centuries in Colombo 

India put together a big first-innings total before declaring at 503/9 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Rain once again interrupted the Test, but India made the most of the available time. Devdutt Padikkal led the charge with a superb 117, while Dhruv Jurel stayed unbeaten on 115. Their centuries gave India the strong finish they wanted. Shubman Gill also made a composed 50, while Rishabh Pant added 63 during an important middle-order partnership.

Jurel’s innings became especially important as wickets fell around him. He kept things simple and gradually pushed India towards the 500-run mark. His partnership with Pant was a key part of the innings, with the pair adding 112 runs. Once Pant departed, Jurel continued working with the lower order and eventually brought up his century. He finished on 115 from 177 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. India eventually declared at 503/9 after 138 overs. Sri Lanka then had a difficult final session, losing two wickets before stumps. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar struck quickly, leaving the hosts at 8/2. Sri Lanka therefore ended the day 495 runs behind. India had clearly put themselves in the driving seat, with the bowlers now looking to make the advantage count