‘My grandfather was a farmer, my father a soldier’: Dhruv Jurel on viral 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' celebration

Dhruv Jurel’s Century and Emotional Tribute

Dhruv Jurel scored an unbeaten 115 against Sri Lanka in the second Test at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, steering India to a commanding 503/9 declared. The 25-year-old’s knock, his first hundred on Sri Lankan soil and second overall, was highlighted by a poignant celebration: after reaching three figures, he rolled up his sleeve to reveal a tattoo reading ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) on his left bicep.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Jurel dedicated the century and the tattoo to his family roots. “My grandfather was a farmer, and my father was a soldier. So, those are my roots, and I don't want to forget them. So, that salute should go to my father and grandfather,” he said, as quoted by multiple outlets including Free Press Journal, The Indian Express, and Times Now. His father, Nem Singh Jurel (also referred to as Nem Chand), is a retired Havildar and a veteran of the 1999 Kargil War, while his grandfather was a farmer. The phrase ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ was coined by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, as noted by NewsX.

This was not the first time Jurel honored his family through his celebrations. The Indian Express noted that in October last year, he had saluted after reaching a fifty against the West Indies in Ahmedabad—a gesture dedicated to his father—and later dedicated his maiden Test hundred to the Indian Army. That ton came in Ahmedabad in 2025, according to Livemint.

A Composed Innings and Crucial Partnerships

Jurel’s innings, which spanned 177 balls and included nine fours and two sixes, was described as composed and largely risk-free by outlets like Outlook India and The Times of India. He arrived at the crease when India were in a spot of bother at 307/6, and anchored the lower order to propel the team past 500.

His most significant stand was a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Rishabh Pant, who contributed a brisk 63. Pant, who had retired hurt on Day 1 after being struck on the shoulder, came out on Day 2 but was dismissed first ball after lunch, as reported by Livemint. Despite Pant’s aggressive approach, Jurel maintained his own game plan. “We all know Pant is such a terrific player and what he has done for India in Australia and England. So, whenever he is in, I only seek his advice, because he has so much experience,” Jurel said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Jurel also shared crucial stands with Manav Suthar (39) and Mohammed Siraj (31) to ensure India crossed the 500-run mark, according to Livemint and NewsX. After reaching his hundred, Jurel accelerated, hitting Asitha Fernando for two sixes before captain Shubman Gill declared the innings, The Times of India reported.

The Nervous Nineties and a Near Miss

Jurel’s journey from 99 to 100 was fraught with tension. He was stranded on 99 for 13 deliveries, with Mohammed Siraj at the other end. According to Times Now, he eventually completed his century off the fourth ball of the 136th over, rushing to the non-striker’s end. Replays showed he was nowhere near the stumps and would have been run out had there been a direct hit. Describing the moment, Jurel told reporters in Colombo, as quoted by The Hindu — World: “So actually, when I was on 99, before that I was getting runs, and on 99, he (Asitha Fernando) started bowling good lengths. When I played that shot (for the hundred), thought it was going past the fielder, that there was a gap, and then I was like oh God!”

Jurel also acknowledged the challenge posed by Fernando, saying, “It was so hot and he used the short ball. It’s not easy for a bowler, and he was really challenging, especially when I was on 99.”

Handling Rain Breaks and Keeping Wickets

The match was interrupted by rain on Day 2, with early tea taken when Jurel was on 95. Jurel said he was accustomed to such stoppages from his time with India A. “I am kind of used to it, the condition, that game on and off, because I was there; I was touring India A,” he explained, as per The Indian Express. He later added, “Even if I scored a 100 today, tomorrow I will go and start from zero, that’s how it is.”

Another notable development was Jurel taking the wicketkeeping gloves, despite playing as a specialist batter in the series. He revealed that Pant had a sore right shoulder. “Right now, he got a hit on his right shoulder, and we are closely monitoring him. Today I did wicketkeeping, because his shoulder was a little bad. Hopefully, I think he will be fit tomorrow,” Jurel said, as quoted by Times Now.

India’s Dominant Position

India declared at 503/9, and the bowlers made early inroads in Sri Lanka’s first innings. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Lahiru Udara, and Manav Suthar accounted for nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 8/2 at stumps, as reported by Outlook India and NewsX. Kamil Mishara was unbeaten on five. Sri Lanka trail by 495 runs with eight wickets in hand.

The knock also earned Jurel a place in the record books. According to Livemint, he became the second Indian to score a Test hundred from No. 7 or lower in Sri Lanka, after Hardik Pandya’s 108 in 2017. He also became the fourth-highest scorer from No. 7 or lower among visiting batters in Sri Lanka, behind Richard Hadlee’s 151, Daniel Vettori’s 140, Salman Agha’s 132, and ahead of Curtis Campher’s 111.

Coming into this series, critics had questioned Jurel’s form, but he responded with a 51 in the first Test and now a century in the second, as highlighted by Livemint. His composed effort, rooted in family values and a clear game plan, has put India firmly in the driver’s seat as the match heads into Day 3.