Dhruv Jurel Scores Second Test Century in Colombo, Displays ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ Tattoo
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel registered his second Test century on August 24, 2026, during the final session of Day 2 in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Upon reaching the three-figure mark, Jurel raised his bat and revealed a tattoo inscribed on his left forearm bearing the Devanagari script ‘जय जवान जय किसान’ (‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’). At the point of his celebration, India’s first-innings score had reached 482/8 in 135.4 overs.
What Happened
India entered the second day at 300/5 after winning the toss and opting to bat first on Day 1. Jurel had resumed his innings alongside debutant Saransh Jain, who was included in the playing XI in place of Kuldeep Yadav. Jain was dismissed early on the second morning for 6 runs. Following his departure, Rishabh Pant—who had retired hurt on the opening day after sustaining a blow to his forearm—returned to the crease. Pant struck 63 runs, combining with Jurel for a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket to consolidate the visitors’ position.
By the tea interval on Day 2, Jurel had advanced to 95 not out, with India positioned at 475/8 before a rain interruption temporarily halted play. When play resumed in Session 3, Jurel completed his hundred with tailender Mohammed Siraj providing support at the non-striker’s end. Siraj remained unbeaten on 2 off 27 deliveries, defending steadily to ensure Jurel reached the milestone. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, claiming 4 wickets for 106 runs.
Key Highlights
- Milestone Celebration: After completing his hundred, Jurel displayed his left forearm tattoo featuring the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, a phrase famously coined by former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to honour soldiers and farmers. Jurel has not issued a verified statement regarding the specific personal meaning behind the tattoo.
- Career Numbers: According to broadcast statistics displayed during the milestone, Jurel’s Test career record stands at 12 matches, 2 centuries, 2 half-centuries, and a batting average of 39.75.
- Previous Century: Jurel scored his maiden Test hundred (125 off 210 balls) against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 3, 2025, where he shared a 206-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja.
- Crucial Lower-Order Partnerships: Jurel anchored the lower order through a 112-run seventh-wicket alliance with Rishabh Pant and an extended ninth-wicket stand alongside Mohammed Siraj.
Why This Matters
This match forms a key fixture in the ongoing 2025–27 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. India entered the Colombo fixture holding a 1-0 advantage in the series after securing a victory in the opening Test. Jurel’s innings extended India’s first innings deep into the second day, providing substantial scoreboard pressure before the innings concluded.
What to Watch Next
With India’s first innings wrapped up late on Day 2, Sri Lanka are scheduled to begin their first innings reply in the subsequent session of the Test match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ mean?
‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ translates to ‘Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer.’ It is a renowned national slogan coined by former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to honour the country’s armed forces and agricultural community.
Has Dhruv Jurel explained the personal reason for his tattoo?
No verified statement has been made by Dhruv Jurel detailing the personal background or specific significance of the tattoo to him.
What was India’s position in the series ahead of this match?
India held a 1-0 lead in the bilateral series after defeating Sri Lanka in the first Test match.
Source: Crictracker