Time seemingly paused as Dhruv Jurel batted on 99. With Mohammed Siraj for company, and an anxious Indian camp watching from the dressing room, Jurel took 13 deliveries to move to his coveted hundred while surviving a run out attempt too in the process. His knock deflated host Sri Lanka in the second Test.

Speaking to the media in Colombo on Monday (August 24, 2026) and recalling that nervous-nineties phase, Jurel said: “So actually, when I was on 99, before that I was getting runs, and on 99, he (Asitha Fernando) started bowling good lengths. When I played that shot (for the hundred), thought it was going past the fielder, that there was a gap, and then I was like oh God!”

On a stop-start day due to the rains, Jurel seemed at ease, and he explained: “I am used to it because I was here with India A and am aware of the situation, about the (rain) breaks. I was just trying to bat in partnerships and also assess the conditions. Even if I scored a 100 today, tomorrow I will go and start from zero, that’s how it is.”

When Sri Lanka turned up for the first innings, Jurel donned the wicket-keeping gloves. Clarifying that move, he said: “Right now, (Rishabh) Pant has a sore right shoulder. We are closely monitoring him. Today I kept wickets, hopefully he will be fit.”

Among the rivals, Jurel lauded Asitha: “It was so hot and he used the short ball. It’s not easy for a bowler, and he was really challenging, especially when I was on 99.” Stressing that playing red-ball cricket is important, Jurel said: “Playing Test cricket is a privilege. We want to play well both in white and in blue.”