Dhruv Jurel hit his second Test century against Sri Lanka, dedicating it to his roots with a 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan' tattoo tribute. His knock helped India to 503/9, leaving SL struggling at 8/2 at the end of day two in Colombo.
Jurel on Century, Tattoo Tribute and Game Plan
After his second Test century, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel spoke on his 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan' tattoo following the conclusion of day two play against Sri Lanka at Colombo, calling it a tribute to his roots, with his father being a soldier and grandfather being a farmer. He also opened up on his game-plan against the Asian side at Colombo.
Jurel's second Test century, combined with Devdutt Padikkal's ton and half-century from Rishabh Pant took India past the 500-run mark and Sri Lanka were left reeling at the end of day two of the second Test at Colombo, having lost two early wickets.
Speaking after the day's in the post-match presser, Jurel spoke about featuring for India A in two first-class games in Sri Lanka and using that experience to his advantage. He also spoke on his century celebration, which saw him raise his bat and also show his 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan' tattoo on his bicep.
"I was there and I was touring with India A (having made a century and a fifty in two) , so I know, I am aware of the situation. While batting, I was just trying to bat in partnerships because, as the coach said, as the captain said--he always says to try to assess the condition, what the situation is asking from you, and just pick your pockets and play positively," he said.
'That is my story'
On his tattoo, he said, "That is my story. My grandfather was a farmer and my father was a soldier. Those are my roots, where I came from, and I do not want to forget them. So that celebration was for my father and grandfather.
During Jurel's century, one thing that really stood out how animated his batting partner Mohammed Siraj was during the celebration. To this, Jurel said, "Whenever I speak to him, I think he celebrates more than the centurion. It's good about him, and he was defending solid."
'It is never stress-free'
After scoring a half-century at Galle and scoring a century in the second Test after a poor outing at home against South Africa, which saw Team India get whitewashed by World Test Championship holders, Jurel still feels he cannot be "stress free", especially with away Tests against New Zealand and a five-match home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia coming.
"It is never stress-free because when you are representing India--and we are very grateful that we are representing India--butterflies are always there. It is just that starting phase, when you play your first 20-25 balls, what goes through your mind. Even though I scored a hundred today, tomorrow I will start from zero again, so that feeling remains," he signed off.
Day Two Recap: India in Command
Earlier, a century from Jurel and a double strike from India kept Sri Lanka on the back foot at the end of day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo. After India declared at 503/9, SL ended day two at 8/2, with debutant Kamil Mishara (5*) unbeaten. SL trails by 495 runs.
India started the final session at 475/8, with Jurel (95*) and Mohammed Siraj (0*) unbeaten. Jurel and Siraj played out plenty of dot balls, as the wicketkeeper-batter awaited to reach the triple-figure mark. Siraj opened his account on the 18th ball. Jurel eventually reached his second Test century in 171 balls, with nine fours, surviving a run-out attempt. Jurel played out 13 dot balls to reach from 99 to triple figures.
After reaching the triple figures, Jurel cut loose with a six against Asitha Fernando over long-on. Siraj was removed by Prabath Jayasuriya for a 29-ball three. India was 489/9. Jurel clubbed Asitha for another six, while Prasidh Krishna helped India cross the 500-run mark in 138 overs. India declared their innings at 503/9, with Jurel (115*) and Prasidh (4*) unbeaten. Asitha (4/106) was the top bowler for SL, with Prabath and Keshara Nuwantha getting two and Lahiru Kumara getting one.
Sri Lanka started their first innings on a horrific note, with an outside edge from Lahiru Udana (1) flying to third slip to Yashasvi Jaiswal. SL was 1/1. With the bad light coming in, India brought in spinners. Manav Suthar's golden arm struck, trapping Prabath LBW for just two. SL was 8/2, ending the day on a bad note, with their nightwatchman gone. (ANI)
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