Team India batter Dhruv Jurel stated that the visitors wanted to score runs briskly on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday, August 16. However, he had added that they had a plan in place and did not want to just go after the bowling from ball one.
On another rain-hit day, India went to stumps at 460-9 in their first innings. After more than half day’s play was lost due to persistent rain, India resumed their first innings at 288-2. Devdutt Padikkal, who was batting on 131 overnight, went on to score 167, while Jurel chipped in with a crucial 51.
Speaking at a press conference after the end of Day 2 in Galle, Jurel opened up on Team India’s batting effort and said (via The Times of India):
“There was a plan to score runs briskly, but sensibly. We weren’t looking to go bonkers from ball one, but there was a plan.”
While dismissing claims of being under pressure after a few low scores, the 25-year-old admitted that the experience of playing in Sri Lanka earlier came in handy. Jurel added:
“I know conditions here, having played for India A here. I was under no pressure, it’s a privilege to play for India.”
Jurel got a life on 29 when Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped a difficult catch at first slip. However, the fielder later took a brilliant one-handed diving catch to end the Indian batter’s innings after he had crossed his fifty.
“We need to bowl long spells” – Jurel after Day 2 of 1st SL vs IND 2026 Test
While India are in a strong position after two days of the Test match, Sri Lanka will be pleased with their fightback. The hosts claimed seven wickets while conceding 172 runs on Day 2 of the Galle Test. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed three wickets on Sunday after having dismissed Indian captain Shubman Gill on Day 1. Jurel admitted that India will need to battle it out in the field. He said:
“We need to bowl long spells here and be consistent with lengths. We need to take 20 wickets.”
At stumps on Day 2 of the Galle Test, Kuldeep Yadav was batting on 12 and Prasidh Krishna on one. Earlier, KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 due to cramps on Day 1, came out to bat on Sunday, but was dismissed for 82.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
