India skyrocket to 448/5, West Indies under siege

India’s batsmen delivered a masterclass on the second day of the opening Test against West Indies at Ahmedabad, putting the hosts in complete control. KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja scored commanding centuries to pile on a massive lead of 286 runs. By stumps, India were 448 for 5, leaving the West Indies under immense pressure as spinners exploited the rough patches on the pitch.

Rahul ends century drought at home KL Rahul finally ended his long home-century wait, scoring 100 off 197 balls. It was his 11th Test century and only his second at home since December 2016. Rahul’s innings combined patience with calculated aggression, highlighted by a stylish reverse sweep that drew applause from his captain. His century celebration was a heartfelt dedication to his infant daughter.

Jurel and Jadeja shine with stylish tons Dhruv Jurel marked his maiden Test hundred in just his sixth match for India, crafting 125 runs off 210 balls with 15 fours and three sixes. Ravindra Jadeja continued his rich form, scoring 104 off 178 balls, including five sixes the same number as MS Dhoni’s previous record for most maximums in Tests for India. Their partnership of 206 for the fifth wicket almost broke India’s record against West Indies, narrowly missing VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar’s 214-run stand in Kolkata, 2002.

Jurel’s salute to the Indian Army and Jadeja’s trademark sword celebration brought flair to their innings. Their aggressive counter-attack after Rahul’s dismissal put the visitors firmly on the back foot, preventing them from exploiting the deteriorating pitch.

India’s batting dominance highlights weak West Indies attack India batted 128 overs at a measured 3.50 runs per over, hitting 45 boundaries and eight sixes. The West Indies attack looked lackluster, lacking energy and consistency, allowing the hosts to assert control. Shubman Gill and Rahul had earlier erased the deficit, adding 98 runs for the third wicket before Gill fell after completing his half-century. Rahul too eventually fell post-lunch, caught at extra cover, but the foundations for a huge total were already laid.

Jurel and Jadeja accelerated the scoring between overs 70 and 80, maintaining momentum even as the visitors introduced a second new ball. Jadeja frequently came down the wicket, displaying intent to dominate, while Jurel’s calculated aggression kept India ahead.

With a massive first-innings lead and spinners ready to exploit the rough patches, India is well-positioned to finish the match quickly and strengthen their lead in the World Test Championship points table.

India 1st Innings: 448/5 (Rahul 100, Jurel 125, Jadeja 104) vs West Indies. Ind lead 286; WI bowlers: Roston Chase 2/90, Jomel Warrican 1/102, Khary Pierre 1/91 and Seales 1/53.

68-1 ( Yashasvi Jaiswal , 18.2), 90-2 ( Sai Sudharsan , 24.5), 188-3 ( Shubman Gill , 56.6), 218-4 ( KL Rahul , 67.5), 424-5 ( Dhruv Jurel , 122.6)