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In a big setback for the India National Cricket Team, Dhruv Jurel was forced to leave the field after taking a painful blow to his ankle during Sri Lanka National Cricket Team’s chase on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test in Galle.
The incident happened when the Indian left-arm spinner Manav Suthar bowled to Sri Lankan batter Sonal Dinusha. Suthar delivered a flighted ball around middle and leg, and Dinusha tried to flick it towards the mid-wicket region. Earlier, Dhruv Jurel’s catch of Lahiru Udara sparks debate in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka.
Dhruv Jurel leaves field after painful ankle injury in Galle
However, the ball did not travel cleanly. It was deflected off Dhruv Jurel’s legs and struck his ankle. Jurel immediately appeared to be in pain. He had been trying to move away from the ball, but he ended up taking the blow on his ankle.
He was seen hopping after being hit as the India national cricket team quickly called for the physio. However, the right-handed batter was unable to continue and walked off the field. Sarfaraz Khan was then called up as Jurel’s substitute fielder for the day in Galle.
🚨 DHRUV JUREL LEAVES THE FIELD AFTER LEG INJURY 🚨
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) August 18, 2026
- Bad signs for Team India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/eMgZC9JIGc
Interestingly, Jurel had been selected ahead of Sarfaraz Khan for the opening Test and has been playing as a specialist batter while Rishabh Pant handles the wicketkeeping duties. Well, there is currently no update on Jurel’s ankle, as further assessment will determine the next step.
Dhruv Jurel breaks silence on pressure over India spot
Meanwhile, Jurel said that he was not feeling any pressure about his place in India’s playing XI, as there were rumours of him getting the ultimatum from the team management over his series of poor performances in Tests. He is simply happy and thankful to get the chance to play for India.
Jurel said at the press conference in Galle: “Not at all. I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to represent India. That’s the only privilege that I play for.”
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter also pointed out that spending 10 days in Sri Lanka before the two-match Test series helped the players a lot. The team trained in Colombo and had a great outing in the tour game. He said that batting on Sri Lankan pitches helped the players understand the conditions, the pitch and the overall environment better.
Jurel further explained, “For India, it is all about volume. We came here 10 days before and trained in Colombo. We had many sessions. Batting on these surfaces helps us improve, and we become aware of the environment and the situation.”
Dhruv Jurel ends seven-innings fifty drought in Galle
Well, Jurel has had a mixed performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He smashed a stunning knock of 51 runs from 68 balls, with 4 fours and 1 six. This was the right-hander’s first fifty after seven innings and helped India build a big total of 462 runs.
However, Jurel failed to carry forward the form in the second innings and was dismissed for just 7 runs on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
