India and Sri Lanka were involved in a tense battle on Day 4 of the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, with the hosts chasing a challenging 288-run target. Sri Lanka were 84/4 when a controversial dismissal involving Dhruv Jurel became the biggest talking point of the session. The incident occurred when Lahiru Udara attempted to defend a delivery from left-arm spinner Manav Suthar towards the gully region.

The ball took the outside edge and travelled low towards Jurel, who reacted quickly and appeared to complete a one-handed catch with his right hand. However, questions were immediately raised over whether the ball had remained in Jurel’s hand or touched the ground during the process of completing the catch. The third umpire, Raveendra Wimalasiri, carefully reviewed the available footage before ruling Udara out, concluding that Jurel’s fingers were underneath the ball when he completed the catch.

The decision did not convince everyone. Former Sri Lankan cricketer and commentator Russel Arnold expressed his doubts while analysing the dismissal, suggesting that the slow-motion replays indicated the ball may have made contact with the ground.

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Arnold pointed out that the ball appeared to move along the surface as Jurel’s fingers were pushed backwards. His comments added further fuel to the debate surrounding one of the most closely scrutinised moments of the Test.

Udara, who scored 16 from 58 deliveries, also appeared unsure about the decision and was reluctant to walk away immediately after being given out. His reaction reflected the uncertainty surrounding the catch and highlighted how difficult it can be for officials to make definitive calls in such situations.

The dismissal came at a crucial stage of the chase, with Sri Lanka under pressure against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. India had earlier scored 462 in their first innings before dismissing the hosts for 284. The visitors then made 193 in their second innings to set Sri Lanka a target of 372.

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Rishabh Pant top-scored for India in the second innings with a fluent 66 off 69 balls, while Mohammed Siraj, Suthar and Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack as India continued to push for victory. With Udara’s dismissal leaving Sri Lanka in further trouble, India looked to capitalise on the momentum and close out the Galle Test.