A sharp low catch by Dhruv Jurel to dismiss Sri Lanka opener Lahiru Udara sparked controversy during Day 4 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the 22nd over of Sri Lanka’s second innings when Udara attempted to defend a delivery from Manav Suthar.

The ball took a thick outside edge and travelled towards Jurel, who was stationed at gully. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter reacted quickly and appeared to complete an excellent low catch. However, questions immediately emerged over whether the ball had gone directly into Jurel’s hands or touched the ground before he completed the catch.

The third umpire carefully examined multiple replays before ruling in India’s favour. While the decision was given out, the footage remained inconclusive for some viewers, with social media users divided over whether Jurel had taken the catch cleanly.

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The controversy came as India continued to dominate the first Test in Galle. After posting 462 in their first innings, India dismissed Sri Lanka for 284 to secure a significant 178-run lead. The visitors were then bowled out for 193 in their second innings, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372 runs.

🚨 CATCH CONTROVERSY IN GALLE! 🚨

Manav Suthar dismissed Lahiru Udara for 16, but the catch taken by Dhruv Jurel has sparked controversy! 😳

Jurel took it close to the ground with one hand, and replays raised the BIG question — were his fingers actually underneath the ball? 🤔… pic.twitter.com/0hhPlOWjxp

— Cricket News (@CricketNews_63) August 18, 2026

India’s second innings began poorly, with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling for a duck to Asitha Fernando from just the third delivery. KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings with a valuable 64-run partnership.

Rahul contributed 35, while Padikkal scored 44 before both were dismissed. Captain Shubman Gill also departed cheaply for eight, with Prabath Jayasuriya claiming both Rahul and Gill.

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However, Rishabh Pant provided the momentum India needed with a brilliant 66 off 69 balls, including two sixes. His knock also saw him become the first Indian batter to hit 100 Test sixes and the fastest player overall to reach the landmark. India’s aggressive approach ultimately gave them a commanding position, while the controversial Jurel catch added another talking point to an absorbing Test in Galle.