Star India cricketer Dhruv Jurel’s low catch to dismiss Lahiru Udara has come under immense scrutiny after the third umpire ruled the latter out, but visuals were unable to provide any conclusive evidence
over either decision.
The visitors chipped away at India’s batting order, leaving the hosts needing just six wickets on the fifth and final day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. But Day 4 was dominated by a major flashpoint, with a controversial third-umpire decision sparking widespread debate.
Jurel found himself at the centre of the controversy, as the validity of his catch divided opinion both on social media and in the commentary box.
Manav Suthar draws the edge, and Dhruv Jurel clings on to a sensational low catch in the slips! 🏏
Sri Lanka are now four down!
Watch #SLvIND, 1st Test | Day 4, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #BeautifulGameOfTestCricket pic.twitter.com/U7mpHGJHH7
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 18, 2026
The incident occurred on the fourth delivery of the 22nd over, bowled by Manav Suthar. Jurel appeared to complete the catch, but Udara was unsure whether the ball had been held by the fielder.
The decision was referred to third umpire Raveendra Wimalasiri. While the replays showed the ball going into Jurel’s hands, they didn’t establish whether his fingers were underneath it.
Jurel completed the catch with his right hand, but the momentum carried him forward, causing the ball to make contact with the ground. But third umpire Raveendra Wimalasiri was satisfied with the replays and upheld the dismissal, with the ‘OUT’ verdict appearing on the screen.
Sri Lankan opener Udara was stunned and reluctant to leave, unconvinced that the catch had been taken. But the decision had been made, forcing him to walk back to the pavilion after scoring 16 off 58 deliveries.
“It has been pushed along the ground for a bit. The ball was pushed along the ground. You can see it was pushed along. When you look at that slow-motion replay, it seems that the fingers were pushed back and the front of the ball was touching the ground,” former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold said.
