India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel produced a memorable century against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo and celebrated the milestone with a deeply personal gesture. After reaching three figures, Jurel proudly displayed his bicep tattoo carrying the words ‘Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan’, a phrase that holds significant importance in India’s history.
Jurel reached his maiden Test century in 171 balls, playing a crucial role in helping India build a commanding position at the Sinhalese Sports Club. His celebration also offered a glimpse into the values and family influences behind his cricketing journey.
The slogan ‘Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan’ was coined by former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965. At a time when India was dealing with the Indo-Pakistani War and food shortages, Shastri used the phrase to salute the country’s soldiers while encouraging farmers to increase agricultural production.
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The words have since become an enduring symbol of respect for India’s armed forces and farming community. For Jurel, the message carries an even more personal connection. His father, Nem Chand, served in the Indian Army and was a Kargil War veteran. The former Havildar fought during the 1999 conflict before taking voluntary retirement.
HUNDRED MOMENT OF DHRUV JUREL…!!!!
– The way Siraj celebrated and supported Jurel in the partnership was special 🥹 pic.twitter.com/itmCr4Giln
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2026
Jurel has previously used military-inspired celebrations to honour his father. During his Test career, he has performed a salute after reaching important batting milestones, including a half-century against England in 2024. Explaining the gesture at the time, Jurel said it was for his father and recalled how he had indirectly asked his son to show him a salute. The celebration has now evolved into another meaningful tribute through the ‘Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan’ tattoo.
Jurel’s century also added to an impressive day for India’s middle order. He became only the second Indian batter to score a Test hundred at No.7 or lower in Sri Lanka, after Hardik Pandya achieved the feat in 2017.
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India opted to bat first after winning the toss in Colombo. Devdutt Padikkal also scored a century, while Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja contributed valuable half-centuries. Jurel walked in with India at 296/5 and remained unbeaten on 115 from 177 deliveries as India eventually declared at 503/9, giving the visitors a strong platform in the second Test.
