Dhruv Jurel celebrates first Test hundred on Sri Lankan soil with ‘Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan’ tattoo; why is it so special?

Dhruv Jurel put India in the driver's seat on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Monday in Colombo as the visitors declared their first innings at 503/9 before taking two wickets before bad light and rain interruptions forced stumps

Having started the day on a overnight score of 7, Jurel completed his hundred 171 deliveries with a single off Asitha Fernando. During his time in the middle, Jurel shared a 112-run stand with Rishabh Pant (63) who came out to bat for the second time after he retired hurt on Day 1. Pant was out first ball after lunch while trying to step out against Keshara Nuwantha.

The right-hander also shared crucial stands with Manav Suthar (39) and Mohammed Siraj (31) to take India past 500. Jurel celebrated his hundred, his first on Sri Lankan soil and second overall, by flaunting a tattoo on his left arm which read - ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan’ - thus paying a tribute to the Indian farmers and soldiers.

Coming into this series, critics questioned Jurel's loss in form. The Uttar Pradesh batter responded with a 51 in India's huge win in the first Test against Sri Lanka before strengthening his position in the playing XI with a three-figure score. He remained not out at 115.

The right-hander showcased exemplary defense and kept his composure even though his teammates fell at the other end. After entering the nineties, Jurel found himself stranded on 99 for 13 deliveries before a moment of release came against pacer against Fernando.

The ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan’ tattoo holds a special place in Jurel's life and a tribute to his father and grandfather. Jurel comes from an Army family. His father Nem Singh Jurel (Nem Chand), is a retired Havildar in the Indian Army and a veteran of the 1999 Kargil War. His grandfather was a farmer.

Why Dhruv Jurel's 2nd Test hundred is special?

In the process, Jurel became the second batter to register a Test hundred from No.7 or lower for India in Sri Lanka, after Hardik Pandya (108 at Pallekele in 2017), thus etching his name in history books.

The hundred also put Jurel into an exclusive club of visiting lower-order batters in Sri Lanka and became the fourth-highest scorer coming in at no.7 or lower on Sri Lankan soil.

Visiting batters with highest scores from No.7 or lower in Sri Lanka

Jurel's maiden Test hundred came in 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, when he scored 125. So far, Jurel, who made his debut in 2024, has scored 651 runs in 12 matches in his career.