Dhruv Jurel's half-century under pressure in the ongoing first Test match against Sri Lanka has been praised by former India star Mohammad Kaif. He noted that Sarfaraz Khan was waiting in the wings and that the wicketkeeper-batter knew he hadn't had a significant impact recently.

Devdutt Padikkal (167) and KL Rahul (82) were the main scorers for India, while Dhruv Jurel made 51 runs, batting well with the lower-order batters as India amassed 462 runs in their first innings.

Kaif spoke about Jurel’s knock and partnership with Manav Suthar in India’s innings.

"You will realize the importance of this as the Test match progresses, when you have to dismiss them twice, and you shouldn't have to bat again, and if you have to chase, it should be only 50-60 runs or within 100 and not 150. The partnership came at a very crucial time when there was a collapse," Kaif said on Sony Sports.

"Jurel's strike rate is 75, and (Devdutt) Padikkal's is 72. He had to play fast when wickets were falling. He came and played his shots. He dominated spin by using his feet. Jurel was under pressure. He hadn't scored a fifty in his previous seven innings. Sarfaraz Khan is sitting. He came to bat under pressure, but he converted pressure into dominance, and that's why he is being praised," he added.

Suthar provided huge support to Jurel as they added 55 runs for the seventh wicket after coming in to bat at 377/6. Suthar made 24 runs in 43 balls.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik said in the same conversation that Dhruv Jurel should be commended because his spot in the starting lineup was questioned before the match.

"Absolutely praiseworthy. There were discussions about his position before this match as to whether he merits a place in the XI. On top of that, he has been played in different positions. Wickets had fallen, and you had to score runs at a good pace," Kartik said.

Kartik also stated that Jurel bats well against both spin and pace in difficult situations.

"He bats extremely well against spin. He took calculated risks. The six he hit, it was good to see the chance he took to upset the spinner. He used soft hands when he was playing against the seamers. You will have to say that he batted extremely well given the situation and position," Kartik observed.

Jurel’s 51-run knock had four fours and a six in 68 balls before he was caught; he was dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.